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No. 1 South Carolina women stunned by fifth-ranked UCLA 77-62, ending Gamecocks' 43-game win streak
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM and MATTHEW BROWN Swaths of Pennsylvania and many other states are honeycombed with old, unstable mines that can cause the earth to suddenly give way — a phenomenon known as “ mine subsidence ” that poses a threat to people and property. That’s what searchers in Westmoreland County, just southeast of Pittsburgh, fear led to the disappearance of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard . Pollard and a young granddaughter were looking for a lost cat when she went missing Monday evening. At about the same time, a sinkhole appeared roughly 20 feet (6 meters) from where she had parked her car, in an area above an old coal mine. The granddaughter was found safe inside the car hours later, while the difficult and potentially dangerous search for Pollard continues. Mine subsidence has caused billions of dollars in damage in areas of the U.S. where mining once took place. In Pennsylvania alone, coal was mined in nearly half of the state’s 67 counties and there are at least 5,000 abandoned underground mines, leaving behind hazards that officials say can arise at any time. The Marguerite Mine that authorities believe resulted in the sinkhole was last operated in 1952 by the H.C. Frick Coke Co., according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. The coal seam in the area is about 20 feet (6 meters) beneath the surface. The state Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation will examine the scene when the search concludes to see if the sinkhole was indeed caused by mine subsidence, spokesperson Neil Shader said. There are as many as 500,000 abandoned mines in the U.S. — far outnumbering those that are still active, according to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. Related Articles National News | Two children wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California school National News | Dog food recalled in 7 states for salmonella risk after puppy litter gets sick, FDA says National News | White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign National News | Powell: Fed’s independence from politics is vital to its interest rate decisions National News | United Healthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York In many cases their owners simply walked away from coal or precious metals mines when they became uneconomical to operate and declared bankruptcy, leaving behind safety hazards and costly pollution cleanups that public agencies must handle. Old mines pose myriad dangers , with 381 people killed and 152 injured at abandoned mine sites nationwide between 2000 and 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Victims can fall into hidden shafts, get lost in underground tunnels or perish from poisonous gases present in many old coal mines. Mine shafts can extend hundreds of feet beneath the surface and often are unmarked. State and federal agencies have sealed off many old mines. But more are discovered every year and officials have yet to conduct basic risk analyses on most of the abandoned mines on federal land. Besides the safety hazards, millions of gallons of water loaded with arsenic, lead and other toxic metals flows daily from contaminated mine sites without being treated. Rubinkam reported form northeastern Pennsylvania and Brown reported from Billings, Montana.CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Another TikTok challenge is going viral, but authorities are warning that the prank isn't so innocent. The Chambers County Sheriff's Office said deputies are investigating reports of the "door-kicking challenge." The idea is that videos will gain traction online if users participate in kicking strangers' doors as a prank while recording for social media. Authorities said the trend is disruptive and can lead to serious consequences. The sheriff's office worries that homeowners may mistake the prank as an attempted burglary, leading to defensive actions that put lives at risk. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of reckless trends on social media. Deputies urge residents to "be vigilant and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement." "This is not a harmless prank. It's reckless, unlawful, and could have life-altering consequences. Let's work together to keep Chambers County safe," the sheriff's office said. SEE MORE: Teens involved in alleged assault of 2 men for TikTok 'prank' chargedEven with technology taking over much of our day-to-day lives, board games still offer quality entertainment that can’t be beaten. Of course, the popular board games of today are a far cry from the games your parents grew up playing. Board games are perfect for encouraging your family to work together or for bringing your group of friends around the table for an evening. If you’d like to start up a weekly game night, let this helpful list of the most popular board games be your guide. Utter Nonsense Ages 8+ This game will have every player rolling in stitches with each ridiculous phrase that’s uttered. Combine crazy accents and hilarious phrases to impress the Nonsense Judge and win the round. The player with the highest number of wins ultimately wins the game, but the true fun of this card game is listening to your fellow players trying to say some of the most entertaining phrases of all time. This game is perfect for game nights or parties. Speak Out Ages 8+ This hilarious game is perfect if you have teenagers or are hosting a party with all adults. To play, you insert a mouthpiece that alters the sound of your speech, making every word sound silly. Set the timer and read one of the phrases on the cards and try to help your teammate guess what you’re saying. Speak Out easily provides hours of fun that even grandparents will love. Escape Room in a Box Ages 13+ What’s the next best thing to trying to break out of a room? Escape Room in a Box, of course. This thrilling, immersive game involves solving 2D and 3D puzzles in order to prevent a mad scientist from turning you and your friends or family into werewolves. Work together to escape your fate and use Amazon Alexa to enhance the experience. Codenames Ages 14+ This fun strategy game is perfect for anyone with teenagers. Form two teams and select a spymaster on each team. Using clues, spymasters try to help their teammates find all 25 of the agents they’re in contact with, hopefully without selecting the other team’s agents or running into the deadly assassin. This innovative game offers a challenging and rewarding time working together. Harry Potter Clue Ages 9+ Excite your kids on game night with this modern twist on a classic. Play as six recognizable Hogwarts characters — Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny or Neville — to solve the mystery behind a fellow student’s disappearance. It’s up to you to figure out who attacked the student, what bewitching spell they used and where it occurred. Watch out for the Dark Mark, moving staircases and secret passages as you travel along in this magical family game. Pandemic Ages 8+ If you’ve ever wanted to save humanity from a deadly outbreak, you’ll love spending an hour playing Pandemic. You and your teammates must fight to contain four deadly diseases threatening the human race. Players must learn to work with their teammates to control outbreak hotspots and treat diseases. Win the game by curing all diseases without wiping out humanity first. Catan Ages 10+ This tactical 60-minute game will push your imagination to its limits as you embark on a journey across Catan. Acquire crucial resources as you travel, build roads, buildings, and cities, and be wary of the ruthless robber and other players halting you on your own road. Through careful trading and clever decisions, you can lead your travelers to victory in this role-playing game of limitless possibilities. Play again and again. Every game is different. Ticket to Ride Ages 8+ Train lovers will enjoy this innovative board game which has won numerous awards. This cross-country train adventure game mimics the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days. Collect train cars and claim railways across the country. Players earn the most points by establishing long train routes and connecting distant cities. Each game takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and every adventure is different. 5 Second Rule Ages 10+ This quick-paced game gives each player five seconds to name items on a certain topic. Although the topics are objectively easy —“Name 3 Mountains,” “Name 3 Types of Hats” or “Name 3 Super Heroes,” the pressure of the time crunch is likely to put you on edge. Race the clock and remain composed to win this game. You can even make up your own topics if you prefer. Half the fun is just hearing what other people blurt out, whether it’s relevant to the topic or not. 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.More than 40 years since the first American servicewomen were allowed to serve in combat, Idaho U.S. Sen. Jim Risch thinks the “jury’s still out” on how the U.S. military should manage women’s involvement in a war zone. The three-term Republican senator responded to a question over the weekend related to President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon as U.S. defense secretary. Hegseth, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army National Guard member has said several times, including recently , that women shouldn’t serve in combat. “Look, I think it’s delusional for anybody to not agree that women in combat creates certain unique situations that have to be dealt with. I think the jury’s still out on how to do that,” Risch said in a panel appearance at the annual Halifax International Security Forum over the weekend. “I’m not a military person,” Risch continued. “I rely on the military to handle those kinds of things. What I demand of the military is that they focus on the No. 1 job they have, and that is winning, if indeed we get into combat. So I’ll leave that to them to sort that out.” Risch, 81, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , is expected to take over as chair of the influential committee when Republicans take control of Congress’s upper chamber in January. Previously as Idaho’s lieutenant governor, Risch also stepped in for six months as governor because of a presidential Cabinet appointment during the George W. Bush administration. Risch’s comments drew almost immediate scorn from the top commander of the Armed Forces in Canada, the host nation for the weekend event. Gen. Jennie Carignan, the first woman to hold the leading military position of the U.S.’s northern neighbor, called out Risch by name for suggesting the “idea that women are a distraction to defense and national security” or “some kind of social experiment,” the Associated Press reported . “I can’t believe that in 2024, we still have to justify the contribution of women to their defense and to their service in their country,” Carignan said . “And all the women sitting here in uniform, stepping in and deciding to get into harm’s way and fight for their country, need to be recognized for doing so.” Carignan received a standing ovation following her comments. “And that, folks, is the distraction, not the women themselves,” she added. Carignan, Canada’s chief of the defense staff after her appointment in July by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has served nearly 40 years in her nation’s military, including several international combat zones. Risch’s office did not respond Monday to the Idaho Statesman’s request for comment Women make up nearly one-fifth of US military With the withdrawal last week by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, for attorney general, Hegseth is now widely viewed as the most controversial of Trump’s unorthodox Cabinet picks. Hegseth is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in California in 2017 and has acknowledged paying her in a confidential settlement. In addition, Hegseth has ties to Christ Church, a Christian nationalist congregation based in Moscow, the Idaho Capital Sun reported . Risch’s fellow weekend panelist, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, also on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stood up for keeping women in the military in combat. Women currently make up nearly a fifth of the U.S. military, she said. “If women think they can’t participate fully in our military, take on combat roles, that’s going to have an impact on what women are willing to join our military,” Shaheen said . “That’s going to have a significant impact on our readiness, on our ability to do the mission of the men and women of the armed services, and I think that will be very clearly asked at the (confirmation) hearing for Mr. Hegseth.” She is involved in continuing to address the issue of sexual assault in the military until it is resolved, she said. Based on the allegations against him, Hegseth’s nomination could complicate those efforts, said Shaheen, a former governor of New Hampshire. “I don’t think having someone with a questionable record on that issue is a message to the women of the military that we want to send, or the women of the country that we want to send,” she said. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, told Politco last week that he supports Hegseth for defense secretary. But he felt the nominee needed to walk back his prior statements about the future of U.S. servicewomen in combat to improve his chances of Senate confirmation. “The requirement for combat readiness has to be the same for women as it is for men,” Cramer said. “And there are a lot of women who have met that standard that a lot of men could not, in which case, why would you not allow women in combat?” Over the weekend, Risch, who said he considers Trump a friend, poked at those who have criticized the president-elect for choosing “loyalists” rather than people with clearer credentials for key Cabinet posts. “Well, duh. Who would you expect (him) to appoint, someone who’s not loyal?” Risch said , turning to Shaheen. “I suspect when you were governor, like I was, the list I had was pretty much made up of people who were loyal to me, and if they said they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on the list. So don’t be surprised at that.” ©2024 The Idaho Statesman. Visit idahostatesman.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
NoneVijay Sales is offering a huge discount on the iPhone 16 Pro to get it with a huge discount. Check out the best deals and offers. The year-end is just around the corner and several e-commerce platforms are offering great offers on a wide range of products. If you are looking for a premium smartphone, then know that the iPhone 16 Pro is available with a huge discount right now to let you bring this flagship model at a reasonable price. Thanks to the Vijay Sales deal, the iPhone 16 Pro is available with over Rs 8000 off. Wondering how to get the maximum discount? Check out the deal in detail here. iPhone 16 Pro Discount It must be first noted that the iPhone 16 Pro was launched at a starting price of Rs 1,19,900 for the base 128GB storage variant in India. However, ahead of the New Year, Vijay Sales is offering this at just Rs 1,16,300. On top of this, you can apply several bank offers to further reduce the price. One of the best offers is available via HDFC and RBL bank cards to get a flat Rs 4500 off. This will help you to grab the iPhone 16 Pro for just Rs 1,11,800. With this discount, the iPhone 16 Pro seems to be a great deal considering 5 things. Here’s what. Why Should You Buy iPhone 16 Pro? The latest flagship iPhone 16 Pro is powered by an A18 Pro chip with 6 core GPU. Second, it runs on iOS 18 which brings a host of Apple Intelligence (AI) features for you. Another important factor is that the iPhone 16 Pro is now bigger than before as it features a 6.3-inch display instead of the 6.1-inch of the iPhone 15 Pro. Fourth, the cameras are better than before. It features a 48MP main, 12MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Last but not least, it comes with an IP68 rating against water and dust. So, if you are in search of a perfect and premium smartphone along with AI features, then the iPhone 16 Pro deal is a great option right now considering that there is still a long wait in the launch of the next flagship iPhone. Click for more latest Mobile Phone news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Divya is a Senior Sub-Editor with about 3 years of experience in journalism and content writing. Before joining News9live, she had contributed to Times Now and Hindustan Times, where she focused on tech reporting and reviewing gadgets. When she's not working, you can find her indulging in Netflix, expressing her creativity through painting, and dancing. Latest News
CHRIS Brown has a lifelong love, a passion, an obsession he just can't let go - basketball. Six months ago the former professional basketball player focused all of that energy into a new business at Broadmeadow called Hoop Dreams. Login or signup to continue reading "I always wanted to start something focusing on individual coaching," he said. "When I came here to play it was a rugby league town. The last couple of years basketball has just taken off." Brown was an international import back in 2003 to the former local team - the Hunter Pirates. He had been playing in Japan, but the guard took the opportunity to play in the NBL and this move would end up anchoring him to the city. Brown fell in love and the couple went on to have three children who "fortunately also fell into basketball". His eldest child Diyah, 13, plays for the Newcastle Falcons and has made country NSW selection, with hopes of pursuing the game further. Basketball is booming in the Hunter, with plans for a new $82-million Newcastle basketball stadium under way. But the project has garnered hundreds of objections from the community due to the location on Wallarah and Blackley ovals. "We need the courts, we need the space," he said. "With the NBA popularity growing here and on social media the sport is considered cool, kids love the culture of it. Everyone is watching Steph Curry shoot threes, they love it." With a $30,000 fitout complete with a custom-designed court, gym, meeting space and even a mural, it is easy to see why this dedicated basketball training space has quickly grown in popularity for young players. According to Brown there are 75 aspiring and academy athletes on the books, ranging from under 12s right through to age 18. The roster of coaches, which includes program appearances from NBL 1 Falcons players Myles Cherry and Ryan Beisty, focus on individual skills and going back to basics. "Within a week we were at capacity," he said of launching the business. "The kids love basketball, but there is so much more to sports than just the game. We have a nutritionist, strength and conditioning training, a psychologist. The goal is skill development for kids of all ages, but we also just want to help create good kids." Brown has big plans for the business which is currently running as a not-for-profit. He wants to create outreach programs in NSW, to get the teenagers out into low socio-economic communities to do their own coaching. "It is important for those high performance kids to give back, to have that experience," he said. The third part of the puzzle is travel, taking his own Hoop Dreams teams to play in other competitions both nationally and abroad. On the first weekend of November, Hoop Dreams saw its first touring team compete in the Annual Seaside Classic Tournament in Port Macquarie. The under 17s girls team took home the win. "The hardest transition is figuring out what do you do when you stop playing professional sport," he said. "I hope we can build this as place for connection, a community for these kids." Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017. Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!Swiss National Bank reduced its position in Novanta Inc. ( NASDAQ:NOVT – Free Report ) by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 70,100 shares of the technology company’s stock after selling 500 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank owned approximately 0.20% of Novanta worth $12,542,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of NOVT. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Novanta by 33.1% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 237 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Novanta during the 3rd quarter worth $49,000. nVerses Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Novanta in the 3rd quarter valued at $54,000. Signaturefd LLC raised its position in Novanta by 38.3% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 361 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its stake in shares of Novanta by 47.6% during the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 750 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $122,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.35% of the company’s stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on Novanta from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. Novanta Trading Up 3.1 % NASDAQ NOVT opened at $169.79 on Friday. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $173.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $170.79. The stock has a market cap of $6.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 101.67 and a beta of 1.29. Novanta Inc. has a 52 week low of $142.35 and a 52 week high of $187.12. The company has a current ratio of 2.79, a quick ratio of 1.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. Novanta ( NASDAQ:NOVT – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.85. Novanta had a net margin of 6.52% and a return on equity of 15.20%. The company had revenue of $244.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $242.33 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.85 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Novanta Inc. will post 3.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Novanta In other news, CEO Matthijs Glastra sold 7,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.70, for a total value of $1,347,750.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 56,382 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,131,845.40. This represents a 11.74 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CFO Robert Buckley sold 1,111 shares of Novanta stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.45, for a total value of $200,479.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 120,419 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $21,729,608.55. This trade represents a 0.91 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 16,650 shares of company stock worth $2,956,686 in the last 90 days. 1.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Novanta ( Free Report ) Novanta Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides precision medicine and manufacturing, medical solutions, and robotics and automation solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Precision Medicine and Manufacturing, Medical Solutions, and Robotics and Automation. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Novanta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novanta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Liverpool boss Arne Slot talks up ‘special player’ Mohamed Salah
Judge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Justice Department and Google have made their closing arguments in a trial alleging Google’s online advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The arguments in federal court Monday in northern Virginia came as Google already faces a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine. The Justice Department says it will seek the breakup of Google to remedy its search engine monopoly. The case in Virginia focuses not on the search engine but on technology that matches online advertisers to consumers on the internet. A judge is expected to rule by the end of the year. ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel DALLAS (AP) — The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. Thanksgiving Day falling so late this year has altered traditional travel patterns. At airports, the Transportation Security Administration says it could screen a record number of U.S. air travelers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration says a shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays. Transportation analytics company INRIX says roads could be congested on Monday with both commuters and returning holiday travelers. Macy’s says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delaying Q3 earnings Macy’s says it’s delaying the release of its fiscal third-quarter earnings results after it discovered an up to $154 million accounting-related issue. The company did provide some preliminary results for its third quarter, including that net sales fell 2.4% to $4.74 billion. It anticipates reporting its full third-quarter financial results by Dec. 11. Newsom says California could offer electric vehicle rebates if Trump eliminates federal tax credit SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California could offer state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Gov. Gavin Newsom says Monday he'll propose creating a new version of the state’s successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023 after funding nearly 600,000 new cars and trucks. Officials didn’t say how much the program would cost or how the rebates would work. Newsom’s proposal is part of his plan to protect California’s progressive policies ahead of Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. But a budget shortfall could complicate California’s resistance efforts. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Stock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose, with those benefiting the most from lower interest rates and a stronger economy leading the way. The S&P 500 climbed 0.3% Monday to pull closer to its record set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 440 points to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. They got a boost from easing Treasury yields after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants hedge-fund manager Scott Bessent to be his Treasury Secretary. Smaller companies can feel a big boost from easier borrowing costs, and the Russell 2000 index of small stocks finished just shy of its record. Workers at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — American Airlines says it doesn’t expect significant disruptions to flights this week as a result of a labor strike at its hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. Service workers there walked out Monday during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services authorized the work stoppage. Union spokesperson Sean Keady says the strike is expected to last 24 hours. The companies contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. The companies have acknowledged the seriousness of a strike during the holiday travel season. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Eggs are available -- but pricier -- as the holiday baking season begins Egg prices are on the rise again as a lingering outbreak of bird flu coincides with high demand during the holiday baking season. The average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities was $3.37 in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was up 63% from October 2023, when a dozen eggs cost an average of $2.07. Avian influenza is the main culprit. The current bird flu outbreak that began in February 2022 has led to the slaughter of more than 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens. But the American Egg Board says egg shortages at grocery stores have been isolated and temporary so far. ‘Buy now, pay later’ is more popular than ever. It can cost more than you think NEW YORK (AP) — More shoppers are using ‘buy now, pay later’ plans heading into Black Friday and the holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. Experts say the short-term loans can lead consumers to overextend themselves and warn that those who use credit cards for the service face higher interest expenses. The data firm Adobe Analytics predicts shoppers will spend 11.4% more this holiday season using buy now, pay later than they did a year ago.
NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global frozen and convenience food market size is estimated to grow by USD 468.9 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.09% during the forecast period. Growing consumer inclination toward vegan frozen foods is driving market growth, with a trend towards escalating need for convenience. However, health risks associated with consumption of frozen foods poses a challenge. Key market players include Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Amys Kitchen Inc., Associated British Foods Plc, Bakkavor Group PLC, Cargill Inc., Conagra Brands Inc., Corporativo Bimbo SA de CV, EUROPASTRY SA, General Mills Inc ., JBS SA, Kellogg Co., Lantmannen ekonomisk forening, McCain Foods Ltd., MTR Foods Pvt. Ltd., Nestle SA, Omar International Pvt. Ltd, The Kraft Heinz Co., Tyson Foods Inc., Unilever PLC, and Vandemoortele NV. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The convenience foods market, including the frozen food market, is experiencing significant growth due to evolving consumer needs. Health awareness and convenience are key drivers, with consumers seeking practical solutions for busy lifestyles. The processed food trade is booming, especially in the retail industry, which is undergoing digitalization. Temperature monitoring markets are crucial for maintaining food safety and longer shelf life. Raw materials cost and tariffs impact the market, with domestic brands gaining popularity. Trade routes and online shopping platforms are transforming the retail landscape. Frozen food products, such as meal plans, are popular due to their versatility and portability. Globalization and international cuisines are influencing consumer preferences. Food safety, nutritional value, and dietary preferences are critical concerns. Producers and distributors must ensure temperature control to prevent quality degradation and food safety risks. Limited availability of raw frozen food can be a challenge, but innovations in cold chain infrastructure, transportation, and distribution facilities are addressing this. Families are increasingly turning to the packaged food industry for affordable, nutritious, and convenient food options. Changing dietary preferences, such as vegan, paleo, and gluten-free diets, are driving demand for plant-based alternatives and organic, low-calorie choices. Taste, nutrition, and premium ingredients are essential for consumer satisfaction. Environmental concerns and sourcing are becoming important factors, with a focus on farm-to-table and locally sourced produce. Online retailing, including e-commerce and meal delivery services, is disrupting traditional retail channels. Frozen vegetable consumption is on the rise, with fruity frozen desserts, such as raspberry, mango, and strawberry pops, gaining popularity. Contract catering and catering services, including healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, Food Service, social food services, venues and events, sporting events, museums, train stations, and airports, are significant markets for frozen foods. Unique styles and atmospheres are essential for these businesses, with contracted caterers offering superior quality and service. Progressive Grocer highlights trends in breakfast meals, dinners/entrees, frozen meat, processed chicken, full-service restaurants, hotels & resorts, gluten-free ready meals, and fruity frozen desserts. Brands like GoodPop frozen pops and Indian food retailers are innovating with organic pops, fruit juice-based flavors, and frozen potatoes, paneer, cheese parathas, and patties. Labeling requirements and fresh produce are essential for transparency and consumer trust. Canned goods and RTE meals are part of the ready meals segment, with lifestyle diseases driving demand for nutritious options. Offline retail channels, including supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, grocery stores, and local shops, continue to coexist with e-commerce platforms. The convenience foods market is a dynamic and evolving industry that requires constant innovation and adaptation to meet consumer needs. In today's fast-paced world, consumers seek convenience in their food choices. Frozen and convenience food vendors capitalize on this trend by offering ready-to-eat meals that significantly reduce preparation and clean-up time. The growing number of single-person households and working women contribute to the increasing demand for these products. Refrigeration technology advancements enable vendors to provide a wide variety of flavors and recipes in desired portions or sizes. Convenience is a crucial factor driving the popularity of frozen and convenience foods. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The convenience foods market, which includes frozen foods, faces several challenges. With increasing health awareness, consumers are shifting towards raw, locally sourced produce and farm-to-table options. This poses a threat to the processed food trade, including frozen foods. The retail industry is digitalizing, leading to the growth of online shopping platforms. Temperature monitoring is crucial for the frozen food market, as fluctuations can cause quality degradation and food safety risks. Raw materials cost is a significant challenge, especially for domestic brands facing high domestic tariffs. Trade routes and cold chain infrastructure are essential for the distribution of raw frozen food. Producers and distributors must ensure food safety, longer shelf life, and convenient, easy-to-prepare meal options to cater to evolving consumer needs. Dietary preferences, such as vegan, paleo, and gluten-free diets, are driving innovation in the packaged food industry. Premium ingredients, innovative packaging, and gourmet flavors are key differentiators. Environmental concerns are also a factor, with a focus on sustainable sourcing and e-commerce platforms. Frozen fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, and ready meals are popular options, offering superior nutritional value and versatility. Contract catering and meal delivery services are growing areas, serving healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, and various social food services, including venues and events. The convenience, portability, and longer shelf life of frozen food products make them a practical solution for families and busy lifestyles. The frozen foods market is evolving to meet changing dietary preferences and consumer needs, with a focus on plant-based diets, organic ingredients, and low-calorie choices. Retail channels, including online grocery shopping, brick-and-mortar stores, and doorstep delivery, are adapting to this changing retail landscape. Food safety, labeling requirements, and sodium content are key concerns for health and wellness-conscious consumers. Plant-based alternatives, vegetarianism, veganism, and flexitarian diets are gaining popularity, driving demand for innovative, nutritious, and convenient food options. The frozen vegetable consumption is increasing due to its affordability and nutritional value. Progressive Grocer reports that breakfast meals, dinners/entrees, frozen meat, processed chicken, full-service restaurants, hotels & resorts, and gluten-free ready meals are popular categories in the frozen food market. Fruity frozen desserts, such as raspberry, mango, and strawberry pops, are gaining popularity due to their taste and nutritional value. Indian food retailers offer frozen potatoes, paneer, cheese parathas, and patties. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for busy families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet the evolving needs of consumers, with a focus on health consciousness, organic ingredients, and innovative packaging. The convenience and versatility of frozen foods make them a practical solution for families and individuals, offering a wide range of flavors and dietary options. The frozen food industry is adapting to meet these changing needs, with a focus on superior nutritional value, taste, and convenience. The future of the frozen food market looks bright, with opportunities for growth in various sectors, including online retailing, e-commerce, and meal delivery services. The market is expected to continue evolving to meet Frozen foods are a popular convenience option for consumers due to their extended shelf life, which is achieved by storing them at very low temperatures. However, the manufacturing process of frozen foods sometimes involves substituting healthy ingredients with less expensive alternatives. For instance, nutritious olive oil may be replaced with rapeseed oil in frozen meals, leading to a loss of antioxidants. Regular consumption of frozen ready meals can pose health risks, including kidney disease, diabetes, dementia, obesity, and high blood pressure. These foods are often high in fat and sodium, contributing to potential health issues. Despite their convenience, it is essential to consider the potential health implications of incorporating frozen foods into one's diet on a frequent basis. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This frozen and convenience food market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Offline 1.2 Online 2.1 Convenience food 2.2 Frozen food 3.1 Europe 3.2 North America 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Offline- The offline distribution channel, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and local merchants, holds a significant share in the global frozen and convenience food market. This segment's dominance is attributed to the wide availability of various frozen and convenience food items, such as peas, chips, fish fillets, bread, preserved fruit, nuts, snacks, pizza sausages, and chicken. Consumers prefer offline channels due to the convenience of finding a vast selection of brands and stock-keeping units (SKUs) at competitive prices. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are popular choices due to their extensive range of offerings. Department stores serve as one-stop solutions for shopping, with the advantage of having all products under one roof. Retailers employ effective marketing and sales strategies, such as attractive displays and competitive pricing, to boost sales. Vendors expand their store operations to increase offline sales and cater to a larger consumer base. Therefore, the offline segment is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the global frozen and convenience food market during the forecast period. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2017 - 2021) Research Analysis The Frozen and Convenience Food Market encompasses the production, distribution, and sale of ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare meal options, including frozen foods. This market is driven by several factors, such as health awareness, processed food trade, and retail industry digitalization. Temperature monitoring markets play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and maintaining the quality of frozen food products. Raw materials cost and domestic tariffs significantly impact the market, with domestic brands gaining popularity due to their affordability. Trade routes and online shopping platforms have revolutionized the way consumers access and purchase these products, making them increasingly convenient and portable. Globalization and international cuisines have expanded the market, with a growing demand for frozen meat, processed chicken, and gluten-free ready meals. Meal plans and meal kit services have also gained popularity, offering consumers the convenience of pre-portioned, ready-to-cook ingredients. Frozen foods offer longer shelf life, making them a staple in full-service restaurants, hotels, and resorts. Food safety remains a top priority, with strict regulations in place to ensure the quality and safety of these products. Overall, the Frozen and Convenience Food Market continues to evolve, offering consumers a wide range of convenient, portable, and delicious meal options. (Progressive Grocer, Breakfast meals, Dinners/entrees, Online shopping platforms, Frozen meat, Processed chicken, Full-service restaurants, Hotels & resorts, Gluten-free ready meals) Market Research Overview The Frozen and Convenience Food Market is experiencing significant growth due to evolving consumer needs and globalization. The convenience of frozen food products, longer shelf life, and easy-to-prepare meal options make them a practical solution for busy families and individuals. The processed food trade is thriving as people seek out convenient, ready-to-eat meal plans. Health consciousness is driving demand for organic, low-calorie choices, and plant-based diets. The temperature monitoring market is crucial in maintaining the quality of frozen foods, as temperature fluctuations can lead to quality degradation and food safety risks. The packaged food industry is undergoing digital transformation, with online shopping platforms and meal delivery services becoming increasingly popular. Frozen food products come in various categories, including fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats, offering consumers a wide range of flavors and dietary preferences. Producers and distributors must ensure food safety and adhere to labeling requirements. The retail industry is also undergoing digitalization, with online grocery shopping and doorstep delivery becoming the new norm. Retail channels are evolving, with e-commerce platforms and meal delivery services gaining popularity. The convenience of these services is particularly appealing to consumers during the ongoing pandemic. Frozen vegetable consumption is on the rise due to their affordability, nutritional value, and convenience. The convenience food market caters to various lifestyles, including vegan, paleo, and gluten-free diets. The market is also seeing an increase in demand for premium ingredients, gourmet flavors, and innovative packaging. Environmental concerns are also influencing consumer choices, with a preference for locally sourced produce, farm-to-table initiatives, and sustainable packaging. The convenience food market is catering to various sectors, including healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, Food Service, and social food services, among others. The convenience food market is diverse and dynamic, offering a wide range of options to cater to changing dietary preferences and consumer needs. From breakfast meals to dinners and entree options, frozen foods provide a convenient, nutritious, and affordable alternative to traditional cooking. The market is expected to continue growing as consumers seek out more convenient, healthy, and sustainable food options. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Distribution Channel Offline Online Type Convenience Food Frozen Food Geography Europe North America APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioThe Reds ultimately left St James’ Park with only a point after Fabian Schar snatched a 3-3 draw at the end of a pulsating encounter, but Salah’s double – his 14th and 15th goals of the season – transformed a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead before the Switzerland defender’s late intervention. The 32-year-old Egypt international’s future at Anfield remains a topic of debate with his current contract running down. Asked about Salah’s future, Slot said: “It’s difficult for me to predict the long-term future, but the only thing I can expect or predict is that he is in a very good place at the moment. Two goals and an assist for Mo tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/tMXidgeA0P — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 4, 2024 “He plays in a very good team that provides him with good opportunities and then he is able to do special things. “And what makes him for me even more special is that in the first hour or before we scored to make it 1-1, you thought, ‘He’s not playing his best game today’, and to then come up with a half-hour or 45 minutes – I don’t know how long it was – afterwards with an assist, two goals, having a shot on the bar, being a constant threat, that is something not many players can do if they’ve played the first hour like he did. “That is also what makes him special. If you just look at the goals, his finish is so clinical. He’s a special player, but that’s what we all know.” Salah did indeed endure a quiet opening 45 minutes by his standards and it was the Magpies who went in at the break a goal to the good after Alexander Isak’s stunning 35th-minute finish. Slot said: “The shot from Isak, I don’t even know if Caoimh (keeper Caoimhin Kelleher) saw that ball, as hard as it was.” Salah set up Curtis Jones to level five minutes into the second half and after Anthony Gordon has restored the hosts’ lead, levelled himself from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 68th-minute cross. He looked to have won it with a fine turn and finish – his ninth goal in seven league games – seven minutes from time, only for Schar to pounce from a tight angle in the 90th minute. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was delighted with the way his team took the game to the Reds four days after their disappointing 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Howe, who admitted his surprise that VAR official Stuart Attwell had not taken a dimmer view of a Virgil van Dijk shoulder barge on Gordon, said: “It’s mixed emotions. “Part of me feels we should have won it – a big part of me – but part of me is pleased we didn’t lose either because it was such a late goal for us. “Generally, I’m just pleased with the performance. There was much more attacking output, a much better feel about the team. “There was much better energy, and it was a really good performance against, for me, the best team we’ve played so far this season in the Premier League, so it was a big jump forward for us.”After her exit from I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! , reports have surfaced that Tulisa Contostavlos had a significant fallout with her best friend. The 36 year old former N-Dubz star, who was the third to be voted out of the jungle, has notably removed all traces of her participation in the ITV reality show from her Instagram. Additionally, she has cancelled her planned appearance on the spin-off show, Unpacked, and notably did not welcome fellow contestant Melvin Odoom when he left the camp on Tuesday. Tulisa later opened up about her actions, confessing that she felt bombarded by social media and needed to step back. "I can get overwhelmed quite easily and started to feel overwhelmed. I realised I needed to take time for myself, and to chill, it's all a little bit much at the moment," she expressed. READ MORE: Sir Elton John makes rare health admission as he says 'I've lost my eyesight' before being led off stage Tulisa has left Australia already (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock) The singer further clarified her decision to delete her social media posts, explaining that her account was managed by friends during her time in the jungle and didn't reflect her personal style. "I'm just going to archive all my stuff to do with the jungle and then, when the time is right and I've had time to process, I'm going to make my own reels of my best bits that I really like," she stated, reports the Mirror . "Because remember, I haven't been doing my Instagrams. The way it's being posted and all the random stuff is not how I would do my Insta - I would have one or two really good reels relating to the jungle and bringing my time together there." Tulisa was reportedly embroiled in a heated exchange with her friend, Michelle McKenna, after exiting the jungle. A source confided to Mail Online that Tulisa felt betrayed by her friend's actions while visiting Australia. According to the insider, "They were only in Australia because of Tulisa. It felt like they were revelling in the situation and taking liberties on her kindness. Michelle and Daniel were there, on a trip funded by ITV and only because of Tulisa. They were there because of her and she trusted them with her social media." The source explained further: "When she got out of the jungle and saw what had been put on there, she was upset and it prompted a huge row. You can't help but think that seeing her friends living it up like that while she was roughing it in the jungle must have really annoyed her." Following her departure from the show and her walk over the notorious red bridge, Tulisa was expected to stay at the JW Marriott Hotel alongside other cast members. However, The Sun received information from an insider that Tulisa and her two friends vanished shortly thereafter. "Tulisa and the two friends who came to Australia with her disappeared after she came out. No one saw her in the hotel and she wasn't talking to anyone," the insider divulged. "Her mates were talking among themselves and were worried as no one could pin her down. They were chatting back and forth in their group chats and no one could raise her. It was total radio silence." An insider has raised concerns about Tulisa not staying at the hotel with her fellow celebrities, which is creating confusion regarding her participation in an upcoming reunion: "Not having Tulisa at the hotel with the other stars has been odd, and people don't know whether or not she'll be back to film the reunion. Naturally everyone just wants her to be all right and ITV and her campmates are being supportive." Tulisa's last public appearance was on ITV's Lorraine, where the presenter probed into her experiences in the jungle. During the interview, Tulisa suggested that some of her peers might not have been as genuine as they appeared. According to a source, Tulisa feels as though her friend 'took liberties' by flying to Australia to greet her (Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Upon being questioned by Lorraine about forming lasting friendships during her stint in the jungle, Tulisa responded with a level of uncertainty: "I feel like I have with some of them. I think they will be friends for life. But a lot of people for the cameras were being very pally pally but the real test will be when everyone is out. Will they make the effort to send texts in the group chat? Will they do the four hour drives to see each other? We'll see..." she pondered. Lorraine then inquired who Tulisa was rooting for to win the show, to which she promptly endorsed Oti Mabuse, citing a special bond they formed: "Oti is just a pure soul. She's amazing and people like her are hard to come by." In addition to expressing admiration for Oti, Tulisa revealed her closeness to Alan Halsall, Maura Higgins, and Melvin Odoom, indicating her wish to see them alongside Oti in the final stretch of the competition. The Mirror reports it has approached Tulisa's representatives for comment.
Why British newspapers are still in demand: New owners circle The Telegraph and Observer By ALEX BRUMMER Updated: 22:02, 25 November 2024 e-mail View comments The physical disappearance of newspapers on the daily commute in Britain is one of the more obvious signs of the diminishing power of printed media. Yet each day there are still at least nine titles to choose from on the news-stands. When titles threaten to vanish there is never any shortage of would-be media moguls ready to take up the cudgels. A long tussle over future ownership of the Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph titles has reached a critical stage. Exclusive talks with Dovid Efune, proprietor of the New York Sun, expire this week. Late help has come for the American-backed offer with two prominent British figures – former Chancellor and founder of You Gov Nadhim Zahawi and British-Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour – reported by the FT to be in ‘advanced’ talks to join the US consortium. At the other end of the political spectrum, the Scott Trust, owner of the Guardian and Observer, is due to decide whether to press ahead with the sale of the Observer to slow news website Tortoise Media. Scoops: Britain's printed media continues to break the big stories of the day and set the news agenda The decision comes in the face of a vote for strike action against the deal by Guardian and Observer colleagues. The Observer is in reasonable health with a paper circulation of 100,000 copies and made profit of £3million in the last financial year. The days of ‘It’s The Sun Wot Won It’ – the totemic headline after John Major’s victory in the 1992 election – may be over. Yet newspapers remain agenda-setting and can have a volcanic influence of events. Mirror revelations of Downing Street ‘parties’ in the pandemic was a nail in the coffin of Boris Johnson’s government. A series of scoops and regular revelations by from Sunday Times, the Sun and the Daily Mail – joined by the broadcast media – about Keir Starmer’s freebies, and those of his colleagues, turned a triumphal entry to Downing Street into scrambled eggs. The tussle between press and government has deepened over Labour’s badly received tax-raising budget. The opportunity to make a difference to national events still makes newspaper ownership an alluring prospect. It may not yet be a trend. But a different generation of owners is emerging, several of them deeply immersed in the opportunities provided by tech. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next The loss of ITV's independence would be a blow to creative... Backlash grows over failure on business rates as Kingfisher... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, who has unlimited resources, is busy seeking to revitalise the Washington Post in the US after previous owners, the Meyer-Graham family, capsized. The Ochs-Sulzberger dynasty, which has controlled the New York Times for generations, was spared ignominy by former BBC boss Mark Thompson. His digital-first approach turned around the group’s finances which have since been augmented by the ‘Grey Lady’s’ acquisitions of online sports bible The Athletic and addictive word game Wordle. Digital is the way forward in the UK. The Independent, spawned after Rupert Murdoch’s printing revolution at Wapping almost four decades ago, has been reinvigorated online and made a healthy £3.5million profit over the last 15 months. Its embrace of artificial intelligence (AI), to provide foreign language additions, has helped attract 5.7m registered users and reduced dependence on advertising revenues. The long running uncertainty over the Telegraph’s ownership could soon be at an end. Early contenders including private equity outfit RedBird, supported by Abu Dhabi funding, and DMGT (owner of the Mail titles) are no longer in contention. Hedge fund tycoon Paul Marshall swooped in to buy the Spectator out of the Telegraph group for £100million and rapidly installed the mercurial former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove as editor. For the moment, Marshall has faded away as a potential buyer for Telegraph titles. Almost out of the blue, New York-based digital publisher Efune, backed by heavyweight American commercial funding, has emerged as the most likely new owner with an offer at first thought to be worth up to £550million. Industry speculation suggests that figure is regarded as very unlikely to be achieved. The Manchester-born proprietor of the New York Sun has shown consummate skill in taking defunct titles and turning them around. He began by transforming one of the few Yiddish language papers Algemeiner, closely read in the Charedi Jewish community, into an online English language title reporting on Jewish issues and Israel. Pledge: Tortoise Media founder James Harding, a former editor of the Times and BBC News, is promising £25m of new investment in the Observer It was from this small beginning that he took control of the New York Sun, one of the Big Apple’s oldest newspaper brands first published in 1833, which was all but defunct when Efune landed in 2020-21. He put the broadsheet title, once part of the Pulitzer publishing empire, online, giving New Yorkers and everyone else a more conservative alternative to the famously liberal New York Times. Efune’s funding reportedly comes from investment firms Oaktree and Hudson Bay Capital and the family office of US philanthropist Michael Lefell. The former Telegraph proprietor Conrad Black, who was forced out amid charges of financial wrongdoing two decades ago, is a director of the New York Sun. The would-be buyer comes from a respected rabbinical family and is a nephew of the Kalms family which founded electronic retailer Dixons, now known as Currys. Efune’s newspaper background would suggest an intelligent, Right leaning, Israel supporting digital future. Efune is pledging coverage of ‘clear eyed consequential issues of the day’ and describes himself as a ‘lifelong newsman’. As with all transfers of newspaper ownership, any deal will have to cross the public interest hurdles of media supervisor Ofcom and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. The union hostility among Guardian and Observer staff over the proposed disposal of the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper to online start-up Tortoise is a profound obstacle. There is, however, a determination by Tortoise founder James Harding, a former editor of the Times and BBC News, to get the job done – and he is promising £25million of new investment in the title. Disentangling the Obs from the Guardian, where large slices of the paper including City and Sport are jointly produced, won’t be simple. Production arrangements also are shared. Harding has lined up an eclectic mix of financiers for the deal, including South African tycoon Gary Lubner, formerly of Autoglass, through his ‘This Day’ philanthropic foundation. His ambition also reportedly is being supported by American asset manager Standard Investment, managed by David Millstone and David Winter. It has stakes in digital media start-ups Puck, Air Mail and publisher Spiegel & Grau. Historic printed media titles may find themselves under financial pressure and in search of long-term online future. But there is no shortage of finance, much of it American (as with Premier League football clubs) ready to colonise the digital media future. In this universe, traditional titles such as the Telegraph and Observer have become the new honeypots for busy bees seeking to revolutionise media finances, lift performance and gain a voice on UK domestic and geo-political events. 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Gunman wounds two children at California school, then kills selfLONDON: Only once in the sport's 1,500-year history has a five-day Grand Sumo Tournament or "basho" been held outside Japan - and next year, London's Royal Albert Hall will repeat its feat of 1991. To be as true to tradition as possible, the venerable concert hall will build a raised clay "dohyo" or fighting stage in the centre of the auditorium to host the event, with spectators sitting around it on cushions and, further back, on chairs. "We'll experience not just the sport, but the tradition and the ritual and the culture of sumo," said James Ainscough, chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall. "So as well as it being an exciting sporting event, it's actually going to be a great cultural moment and a time for us to come across something we don't normally experience and to maybe learn something different from it from a different culture, and be challenged in the way we think as well." Every night from Oct. 15-19, wrestlers from Japan's top sumo division will fight around 20 bouts to contest the London title, which will be overseen, appropriately enough, by the 1991 winner Hokutoumi , a former grand champion. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Nobuyoshi Hakkaku, as he is now known, now heads the Japan Sumo Association . "Back in 1991, as a performing wrestler, my main aim was to win the tournament. But coming back as chairman, now the most important part is to bring Japanese tradition and Japanese culture to the British public," Hakkaku said via a translator. "Sumo itself has not changed throughout the course of history. I have no worries because I am confident people will appreciate or take something back by watching this tournament." (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Sex workers in Belgium have more working rights than ever. Could we see similar laws in Australia?HOUSTON — There's plenty to see and do in Houston and surrounding cities over the holidays, including dazzling light displays that are guaranteed to get you in the spirit. Whether you're looking for ways to entertain the kiddos, date night hot spots or places to show off Houston to holiday visitors, we've got you covered! City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic presented by Shell Energy is back for its third year and guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. Houston First Corporation partners with Downtown Houston + to create a family-friendly destination to celebrate the holidays in the heart of downtown. The mostly free event kicks off on Friday, Nov. 22. For 2024, they've added the debut of Snow Glow on the Bayou at Allen's Landing . "It's a spectacular fusion of technology and nature" with stunning art and light projections on a 100-foot water screen over Buffalo Bayou and surrounding infrastructure, the website promises. For a more immersive experience, take a bayou tour and get closer to the magic. The cost for the boat tour is $25 per person and you'll need a reservation. More details here. Downtown Holiday Magic also includes 11 unique, themed villages with dozens of Insta-worthy spots from Avenida to the Theater District. Get around with free pedicab rides or hop on board the double-decker trolley for a small fee. WATCH: Highlights from 2023 Downtown Holiday Magic Stroll through the Houston Zoo to see their magical holiday lights from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. Zoo Lights presented by TXU Energy features beautiful, life-sized animal lanterns, an enchanted forest, a colorful holiday light tunnel, a canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies, Santa's Workshop and more! Zoo Lights is open most evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary depending on when you go, but they range from $26.95 to $29.95 for adults and children over 2. Discounts are available for military, first responders and teachers. You need to buy your tickets in advance. The Houston Botanic Garden is bringing back its breathtakingly beautiful holiday light display with larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations that celebrate the joys of nature. Radiant Nature , presented by Reliant, features a life-sized Chinese palace, a canopy tunnel constructed of traditional oil paper umbrellas, pandas in a field of bamboo with a waterfall, interactive morning glories and sunflowers, and an interactive dragon that guests can manipulate to make it “dance.” The interactive zone again features illuminated swings and an angel wings photo spot, plus a collection of new immersive, Instagram-worthy features sure to put a smile on the faces of visitors of all ages. Radiant Nature is open from Nov. 8-Feb. 23 and admission is $28.50. Children 3 and under are free. The extended run makes it a great spot to celebrate through the Lunar New Year celebration on January 29, the annual Chinese Lantern Festival on February 12 and Valentine’s Day. Must purchase tickets in advance to park on-site. Thousands of people will head to the Heights on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, for the 37th year of this beloved tradition. Woodland Heights gets all decked out for Lights in the Heights and the whole city is invited to enjoy Houston's biggest and brightest block party. Stroll through the neighborhood to admire the work of Heights residents who spend countless hours dressing their historic bungalows and Victorian homes to impress. Bands and DJs add to the festive atmosphere of the free event. When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 - 9 p.m. Where: Byrne, Euclid and 7-1/2 are the streets chosen for the official route for LITH this year and they'll be closed to vehicular traffic. PHOTOS: Past Lights in the Heights Downtown is the place to be on December 7 for the annual Mayor's Holiday Spectacular in Hermann Square at City Hall. The star of the show is a 47-foot-tall white fir tree with nearly 100,000 LED lights and 4,000 ornaments. The free event is from 6 to 8 p.m. and also features Santa, music, fireworks and the lighting of the beautiful Christmas tree at Hermann Square. LeToya Luckett, a two-time Grammy award winner and founding member of Destiny’s Child, will co-headline the show with two-time Academy of Country Music New Female Vocalist nominee RaeLynn, of Baytown. “This amazing family-friendly celebration is an incredible way to kick off the holiday season for Houstonians,” Mayor John Whitmire said. “I encourage everyone to join us for some holiday cheer and to celebrate the most festive and wonderful time of the year.” You can't help but get in the Christmas spirit at the 11th annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights at Constellation Field . "This sparkling wonderland" features 3.5 million twinkling lights, 10 themed areas, ice skating, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a carnival, Santa and a sensational light show from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5. (Closed Nov. 18-21) You can even bring your dogs on special Lights & Leashes nights. Ticket prices vary. See the full schedule and get tickets here. Six million lights and more than 60 lanterns combine for a dazzling display at Magical Winter Lights, which has moved to the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg for 2024. From The Undersea Paradise to Dino Land or Space Maze, they have something for everyone at seven themed lantern attractions. There are also carnival rides and games and live entertainment from characters. Magical Winter Lights runs nightly through January 5 and promises to be even bigger and better this year. Buy tickets online You don't even have to leave your car for "the most EXCITING and ELECTRIFYING light show south of the North Pole!" the Light Park's website promises. It's open seven nights a week through Jan. 1. There are two Houston-area locations: Texas Typhoon Waterpark in Katy or Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring. Sundays-Thursdays: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Christmas week: 5:30 to 11 p.m. Online tickets are $49 per vehicle in advance or $55 at the gate. The popular ICE LAND at Moody Gardens is back this year with a North and South Pole vibe. Award-winning master ice carvers from Harbin, China have been busy creating turning two million pounds of ice into breathtaking works of art. To keep them from melting, they're kept in a 28,000-square-foot tent where the temperature is kept at nine degrees so dress warm! Take a festive journey from the North to South Poles where you'll encounter polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, reindeer and so much more. The attraction opens on Nov. 23 through Jan. 1. ICE LAND tickets range from $29 to $35 or $24 to $29 for children 4-12 or seniors 65+ Festival of Lights tickets start are $25 to $29 for adults and $21 - $25 for kids and seniors 65+. A holiday pass includes ICE LAND, the Festival of Lights Trail, skating rink admission, the Aquarium Pyramid, 3D film and 4D film. Ticket prices range from $65 to $70 for adults and $45 to $50 for children 4-12 and seniors 65+. You can buy tickets here. For more information visit www.moodygardens.org or call 409-744-4673. All aboard for the popular Polar Express Train Ride at the Railroad Museum in Galveston! The family-friendly event rolled into the island on Nov. 8 and the round-trip rides to the "North Pole" will continue through Dec. 23. Meet many of the characters from the movie including the conductor, the singing chefs, dancing elves and of course the main man himself, Santa Claus. Guests are invited to put on their PJs to board the train for a fun-filled journey. The train doesn't run on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays except the week before Christmas but the Railroad Museum is open on those days. Ticket prices vary depending on the date and time. More details here. RELATED: All aboard! Tickets on sale for The Polar Express train ride in Galveston Take a trip back in time to 19th-century Victorian London at Galveston's 51st annual Dickens on the Stand. Enjoy parades, live entertainment, shopping and more as you stroll through the Strand on Dec. 6, 7 and 8. The event features parades, live entertainment on four stands and new additions, including Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village and roaming characters. Mingle with royalty as "Her Majesty Queen Victoria" and "Prince Albert," and their court roam through the Strand. You can also meet Ollie Dickens, the great-great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens himself. Costumed vendors sell food and drinks on rolling carts or you can do a little Christmas shopping. Friday, December 6, 5-9 p.m. -- FREE admission Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, December 8, noon – 6 p.m. Tickets on Saturday and Sunday are $25 for adults and $13 for children 7-12. Children 5 and under get in free. Schedule of events | Buy tickets Date: Friday, Dec. 6 Time: 6 - 9 p.m. Location: Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Parkway Parking: Available at Pearland High School; ADA parking available at the Independence Park Liberty Drive Entrance Pearland's Hometown Christmas Festival is back with an evening of entertainment, shopping, lights, inflatables, food trucks and much more! Enjoy a drone show presented by the University of Houston Clear Lake at Pearland beginning at 8:30 p.m. or play in the snow at HEB Winter Wonderland. Word has it that Santa will also drop by to spread Christmas cheer. Date: Saturday, Dec. 7 Time: 6 p.m. Location: FM 518 (Broadway), from Old Alvin Road to Pearland Parkway - Map of parade route, detours The City of Pearland will host the 42nd annual Hometown Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7. The evening parade includes dozens of colorful floats, marching drill teams, unique classic cars and more! Market Street in The Woodlands is magical this time of year. They have a Texas-size, 70-foot-tall Christmas tree and nightly synchronized light show with holiday music every hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. daily. Market Street in Lights also offers plenty of shopping and dining options. While you're in the area, lace up some ice skates and check out The Woodlands Ice Rink daily through mid-January. Old Town Spring is all decked out for its 44th annual Home for the Holidays. Enjoy the "Texas-style winter wonderland" while you browse for unique gifts at all the shops through Dec. 24. Enjoy holiday lights, horse-drawn carriage rides and entertainment throughout town. Alvin has its own Christmas Train that chugs through festive light displays in Victory Camp . The Christmas Train called "Old Smokey" operates Nov. 29-30, Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 16-23. Online tickets for $12 to $14 are recommended and some dates and times are already sold out.
Wall Street stocks surged to fresh records Wednesday on hopes about easing US monetary policy, shrugging off political upheaval in South Korea and France. All three major US indices scored records, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average finishing above 45,000 for the first time. "The market at this point is looking for excuses to go up, and there's not really anything that might work against that narrative," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. "Over the last couple of days, it's managed to ignore all sorts of inconvenient things and decided that the situation in France doesn't matter for them," Sosnick said of the stock market. "The situation in Korea doesn't matter." South Korea's stock market fell less than feared and the won rebounded from earlier losses after President Yoon Suk Yeol swiftly reversed a decision to impose martial law. In Europe, Paris stocks managed to advance as France's government faced looming no-confidence votes. Late Wednesday in Paris, French lawmakers voted to oust the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months in office, pushing the country further into political uncertainty. For the first time in over sixty years, the National Assembly lower house toppled the incumbent government, approving a no-confidence motion that had been proposed by the hard left but which crucially was backed by the far-right headed by Marine Le Pen. "Political turmoil in both France and South Korea provide a uncertain backdrop for global markets, with the likely removal of both Barnier and Yoon bringing the potential for both countries to find a fresh direction," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets. Thomas Mathews, head of Asia-Pacific markets at Capital Economics, said the losses in Seoul could have been "much worse" had the president not aborted his plan. "Rarely does a combined sell-off in a country's stocks, bonds and currency feel like a relief rally," he said. Oil prices turned lower after surging around 2.5 percent Tuesday, mainly after the United States sanctioned 35 companies and ships it accused of involvement with Iran's "shadow fleet" illicitly selling Iranian oil to foreign markets. Major producers at the OPEC+ grouping led by Saudi Arabia and Russia were set to meet Thursday to discuss extending output limits. Back in New York, major indices were led by the Nasdaq, which piled on 1.3 percent to finish at a third straight record. Wednesday's gains came after payroll firm ADP said US private-sector hiring in November came in at a lower-than-expected 146,000 jobs, while a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed weaker sentiment than expected in the services sector. But the lackluster data boosts expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later this month. At a New York conference, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell refrained from tipping his hand, but he "didn't say anything that would scare the market," said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare. O'Hare noted that Wednesday's gains were led by large tech names such as Nvidia and Microsoft, which are major AI players. The boost followed strong results from Salesforce, which was the biggest gainer in the Dow with an 11 percent jump. New York - Dow: UP 0.7 percent at 45,014.04 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.6 percent at 6,086.49 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.3 percent at 19,735.12 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.3 percent at 8,335.81 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.7 percent at 7,303.28 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 1.1 percent at 20,232.14 (close) Seoul - Kospi Index: DOWN 1.4 percent at 2,464.00 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 percent at 39,276.39 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: FLAT at 19,742.46 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.4 percent at 3,364.65 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0510 from $1.0509 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2702 from $1.2673 Dollar/yen: UP at 150.56 yen from 149.60 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.71 from 82.92 pence Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 1.8 percent at $72.31 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 2.0 percent at $68.54 per barrel burs-jmb/jgc