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Sky Labs Inc., BrainU Co., Ltd., and ANDOPEN Co., Ltd. will be recognized as Innovation Award Winners SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its successful participation last year, Seongnam City will participate in CES 2025, the world's largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition. The event will take place from January 7 to 10, 2025 , in Las Vegas , USA . Seongnam City will operate the "Seongnam Pavilion," which will support 25 local startups from the Seongnam region and highlight their innovative technologies and products. CES 2025 will attract approximately 4,400 companies and over 130,000 attendees worldwide. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.CLEVELAND (AP) — Shortly after doing a face-down snow angel, firing a few celebratory snowballs and singing “Jingle Bells” on his way to the media room, Jameis Winston ended his postgame news conference with a simple question. “Am I a Brown yet?” he asked. He is now. And who knows? Maybe for a lot longer than expected. Winston entered Cleveland football folklore on Thursday night by leading the Browns to a 24-19 win over the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, who had their five-game winning streak stopped. Winston's performance at Huntington Bank Field, which transformed into the world's largest snow globe, not only made him an instantaneous hero in the eyes of Browns fans but added another wrinkle to the team's ever-changing, never-ending quarterback conundrum. In his fourth start since Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles tendon injury, Winston made enough big plays to help the Browns (3-8) get a victory that should quiet conjecture about coach Kevin Stefanski's job. Some wins mean more than others. In Cleveland, beating the Steelers is as big as it gets. But beyond any instant gratification, Winston has given the Browns more to consider as they move forward. Watson's future with Cleveland is highly uncertain since it will still be months before the team has a grip on whether he's even an option in 2025, his fourth year since signing a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract that has proven calamitous. It's also possible the Browns will cut ties with Watson. They signed Winston to a one-year contract to be Watson's backup. But the unexpected events of 2024 have changed plans and led to the possibility that the 30-year-old Winston could become Cleveland's full-time QB or a bridge to their next young one. So much is unclear. What's not is that Winston, who leaped into the end zone on fourth-and-2 for a TD to put the Browns ahead 18-6 in the fourth quarter, is a difference maker. With his larger-than-life personality and the joy he shows whether practicing or throwing three touchdown passes, he has lifted the Browns. A man of faith, he's made his teammates believe. Winston has done what Watson couldn't: made the Browns better. “A very, very authentic person,” Stefanski said Friday on a Zoom call. “He’s the same guy every single day. He's the same guy at 5 a.m. as he at 5 p.m. He brings great energy to everything he does, and I think his teammates appreciate that about him.” Winston, who is 2-2 as a starter with wins over the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, has a knack for inspiring through fiery, preacher-like pregame speeches. But what has impressed the Browns is his ability to stay calm in the storm. “He doesn’t get rattled,” said Myles Garrett, who had three sacks against the Steelers . “He’s just tuned in and focused as anyone I’ve seen at that position. Turn the page. There was a turnover, came back to the sideline, ‘Love you. I’m sorry. We’re going to get it back.’ He was already on to the next one, ‘How can we complete the mission?’ “I have a lot of respect for him. First was from afar and now seeing it on the field in front of me, it’s a blessing to have someone who plays a game with such a passion and want-to. You can’t ask for a better teammate when they take those things to heart and they want to play for you like we’re actually brothers and that’s what we have to attain. That brotherhood.” Winston has done something else Watson couldn't: move the offense. The Browns scored more than 20 points for just the second time this season, and like Joe Flacco a year ago, Winston has shown that Stefanski's system works with a quarterback patient enough to let plays develop and unafraid to take shots downfield. The conditions certainly were a factor, but the Browns were a miserable 1 of 10 on third down, a season-long trend. However, Cleveland converted all four fourth-down tries, including a fourth-and-3 pass from Winston to Jerry Jeudy with 2:36 left that helped set up Nick Chubb's go-ahead TD run. RT Jack Conklin. Garrett outplayed Steelers star T.J. Watt in their rivalry within the rivalry partly because Conklin did a nice job containing Pittsburgh's edge rusher, who was held without a sack and had one tackle for loss. Conklin has made a remarkable comeback since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery last year. Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. Their desire to build a dome is well intended, but an indoor game could never come close to matching the surreal setting of Thursday night, when snow swirled throughout the stadium and covered nearly all the yard lines and hash marks. “It was beautiful,” Winston said. WR Cedric Tillman is in the concussion protocol. He had two catches before taking a big hit on the final play of the third quarter. 9 — Consecutive home wins for the Browns in Thursday night games. Three of those have come against Pittsburgh. An extended break before visiting the Denver Broncos on Dec. 2. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLFaruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 in ASML To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $100,000 in ASML between January 24, 2024 and October 15, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP , a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against ASML Holding N.V. (“ASML” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ASML) and reminds investors of the January 13, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com . As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the issues being faced by suppliers, like ASML, in the semiconductor industry were much more severe than Defendants had indicated to investors; (2) the pace of recovery of sales in the semiconductor industry was much slower than Defendants had publicly acknowledged; (3) Defendants had created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to customer demand and anticipated growth, while also downplaying risk from macroeconomic and industry fluctuations, as well as stronger regulations restricting the export of semiconductor technology, including the products that ASML sells; and (4) as a result, Defendants’ statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. On October 15, 2024, ASML published earnings for the third quarter of 2024, revealing quarterly bookings of €2.63 billion, a decline of 53% quarter-over-quarter. The Company also announced it expects full year 2025 total net sales to be between €30 billion and €35 billion, with a gross margin between 51% and 53%. On this news, ASML's stock price fell $141.84, or 16.26%, to close $730.43 per share on October 15, 2024, thereby injuring investors. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding ASML’s conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the ASML class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/ASML or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , on X , or on Facebook . Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de2601eb-12a6-4c86-acde-1ee2f3350b29
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell's stirring locker room tribute to his team last week at Seattle was respectfully interrupted by seven-year veteran right tackle Brian O'Neill, who flipped the script on the game ball awards by tossing one to the boss in honor of his second 13-win season in three years. The Vikings have obliterated even the most optimistic of external predictions for this transitional season, taking a sparkling 13-2 record into their matchup against the Green Bay Packers that has made O'Connell the current favorite for the NFL Coach of the Year award. “It’s a credit to who he is as a person, as a coach and as a leader,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to play under him.” The Vikings can not only win the NFC North for a second time in three seasons, but get the No. 1 seed with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC tournament if they beat both the Packers at home on Sunday and the Detroit Lions on the road next week. Don't expect the Vikings to ponder that possibility, though, as tantalizing as it would be. “It can be a very tired cliché to talk about going 1-0 until you’ve systematically built your entire operation daily of just trying to do that every single day,” O'Connell said after Minnesota's eighth consecutive victory . “These guys, it’s not a cliché at that point. It becomes part of your football foundation and the makeup of your locker room, of your leadership, your coaching staff.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH) between February 29, 2024 and September 4, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important January 21, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Celsius common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31677 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 21, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Celsius materially oversold inventory to PepsiCo, Inc. (“Pepsi”) far in excess of demand, and faced a looming sales cliff during which Pepsi would significantly reduce its purchases of Celsius products; (2) as Pepsi drew down significant amounts of inventory overstock, Celsius’ sales would materially decline in future periods, hurting Celsius’ financial performance and outlook; (3) Celsius’ sales rate to Pepsi was unsustainable and created a misleading impression of Celsius’ financial performance and outlook; (4) as a result, Celsius’ business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as indicated in defendants’ Class Period statements; and (5) consequently, defendants’ statements regarding Celsius’ outlook and expected financial performance were false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31677 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com
'It's hard not to believe he saw something': Historian Greg Eghigian on how UFOs took over the worldScarlett Johansson called her fraternal twin brother a ‘gem’ and emphasised that he was currently single on Live with Kelly and Mark earlier this week – so what else do we know about him? Scarlett Johansson and her fraternal twin brother Hunter have a sacred bond. The Marvel actress talked about their special connection during an interview on Live with Kelly and Mark on Tuesday. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Scarlett Johansson and her brother Hunter (right) are both 40 years old. Photo: @hunterjo/Instagram","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/11/29/55433063-f706-4b47-9af5-a937bcddc401_d7491f3d.jpg"} Scarlett Johansson and her brother Hunter (right) are both 40 years old. Photo: @hunterjo/Instagram Advertisement “Do you still have your telepathy?” they asked Johansson. “Of course we know so much about each other, because we were like ... you’re in utero together,” the Marriage Story star replied. “Which, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, I guess I’ve always had you around.’” {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Hunter Johansson is currently single, according to his twin sister, Scarlett Johansson. Photo: @hunterjo/Instagram","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/11/29/0275f3e5-373a-431a-bec5-b1de3c0bbb2c_0852b02b.jpg"} Hunter Johansson is currently single, according to his twin sister, Scarlett Johansson. Photo: @hunterjo/Instagram “But, he’s also my brother, so he’s also just, like, a dude. So there’s that too,” she explained. “I feel like if we were identical twins, there would probably be more of that like mind-body thing, but I look at him and I’m like, ‘You’re also, like, a stinky dude.’ So we don’t have as much of that.” The actress, 40, also noted how he’s currently single and ready to mingle. “No, he’s great. We’re super close. My brother Hunter is ... he’s a gem,” Johansson said. “He’s also single.” Here’s what we know about Scarlett Johansson’s twin brother and their tight relationship: What is Hunter Johansson’s background? {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Hunter Johansson and Scarlett Johansson have four other siblings. Photo: Getty Images","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/11/29/0a1d7de2-65c2-4fc2-8368-b0b537448188_0943d65e.jpg"} Hunter Johansson and Scarlett Johansson have four other siblings. Photo: Getty Images
CHICAGO — In the days after the presidential election, Sadie Perez began carrying pepper spray with her around campus. Her mom also ordered her and her sister a self-defense kit that included keychain spikes, a hidden knife key and a personal alarm. It’s a response to an emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers who have seized on Republican Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice” at women online and on college campuses. For many women, the words represent a worrying harbinger of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. “The fact that I feel like I have to carry around pepper spray like this is sad,” said Perez, a 19-year-old political science student in Wisconsin. “Women want and deserve to feel safe.” Isabelle Frances-Wright, director of technology and society at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a think tank focusing on polarization and extremism, said she had seen a “very large uptick in a number of types of misogynistic rhetoric immediately after the election,” including some “extremely violent misogyny.” “I think many progressive women have been shocked by how quickly and aggressively this rhetoric has gained traction,” she said. Related Story: Misogynistic Slogan Spreads Rapidly Online and Offline The phrase “Your body, my choice” has been largely attributed to a post on the social platform X from Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust-denying white nationalist and far-right internet personality who dined at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida two years ago. In statements responding to criticism of that event, Trump said he had “never met and knew nothing about” Fuentes before he arrived. Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law, said the phrase transforms the iconic abortion rights slogan into an attack on women’s right to autonomy and a personal threat. “The implication is that men should have control over or access to sex with women,” said Ziegler, a reproductive rights expert. Fuentes’ post had 35 million views on X within 24 hours, according to a report by Frances-Wright’s think tank, and the phrase spread rapidly to other social media platforms. Women on TikTok have reported seeing it inundate their comment sections. The slogan also has made its way offline with boys chanting it in middle schools or men directing it at women on college campuses, according to the Institute for Strategic Dialogue report and social media reports. One mother said her daughter heard the phrase on her college campus three times, the report said. School districts in Wisconsin and Minnesota have sent notices about the language to parents. T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase were pulled off Amazon. Perez said she has seen men respond to shared Snapchat stories for their college class with “Your body, my choice.” “It makes me feel disgusted and infringed upon,” she said. “... It feels like going backwards.” Related Story: Spike in Online Attacks and Threats Against Women Misogynistic attacks have been part of the social media landscape for years. But Frances-Wright and others who track online extremism and disinformation said language glorifying violence against women or celebrating the possibility of their rights being stripped away has spiked since the election. Online declarations for women to “Get back in the kitchen” or to “Repeal the 19th,” a reference to the constitutional amendment that gave women the right to vote, have spread rapidly. In the days surrounding the election, the extremism think tank found that the top 10 posts on X calling for repeal of the 19th Amendment received more than 4 million views collectively. A man holding a sign with the words “Women Are Property” sparked an outcry at Texas State University. The man was not a student, faculty or staff, and was escorted off campus, according to the university’s president. The university is “exploring potential legal responses,” he said. Anonymous rape threats have been left on the TikTok videos of women denouncing the election results. And on the far-flung reaches of the web, 4chan forums have called for “rape squads” and the adoption of policies in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a dystopian book and TV series depicting the dehumanization and brutalization of women. “What was scary here was how quickly this also manifested in offline threats,” Frances-Wright said, emphasizing that online discourse can have real-world impacts. Previous violent rhetoric on 4chan has been connected to racially motivated and antisemitic attacks, including a 2022 shooting by a white supremacist in Buffalo that killed 10 people. Anti-Asian hate incidents also rose as politicians, including Trump, used words such as “Chinese virus” to describe the COVID-19 pandemic. And Trump’s language targeting Muslims and immigrants in his first campaign correlated with spikes in hate speech and attacks on these groups, Frances-Wright said. The Global Project Against Hate and Extremism reported similar rhetoric, with “numerous violent misogynistic trends” gaining traction on right-wing platforms such 4chan and spreading to more mainstream ones such as X since the election. Related Story: Throughout the presidential race, Trump’s campaign leaned on conservative podcasts and tailored messaging toward disaffected young men. As Trump took the stage at the Republican National Convention over the summer, the song “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown blared from the speakers. One of several factors to his success this election was modestly boosting his support among men, a shift concentrated among younger voters, according to AP VoteCast, survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. But Trump also won support from 44% of women age 18 to 44, according to AP VoteCast. To some men, Trump’s return to the White House is seen as a vindication, gender and politics experts said. For many young women, the election felt like a referendum on women’s rights and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss felt like a rejection of their own rights and autonomy. “For some of these men, Trump’s victory represents a chance to reclaim a place in society that they think they are losing around these traditional gender roles,” Frances-Wright said. None of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump or anyone in his immediate orbit. But Trump has a long history of insulting women, and the spike in such language comes after he ran a campaign that was centered on masculinity and repeatedly attacked Harris over her race and gender. His allies and surrogates also used misogynistic language about Harris throughout the campaign. “With Trump’s victory, many of these men felt like they were heard, they were victorious. They feel that they have potentially a supporter in the White House,” said Dana Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics. Brown said some young men feel they’re victims of discrimination and have expressed mounting resentment for successes of the women’s rights movement, including #MeToo. The tension also has been influenced by socioeconomic struggles. As women become the majority on college campuses and many professional industries see increasing gender diversity, it has “led to young men scapegoating women and girls, falsely claiming it’s their fault they’re not getting into college anymore as opposed to looking inward,” Brown said. Perez, the political science student, said she and her sister have been leaning on each other, their mother and other women in their lives to feel safer amid the online vitriol. They text each other to make sure they got home safely. They have girls’ nights to celebrate wins, including a female majority in student government at their campus in the University of Wisconsin system. “I want to encourage my friends and the women in my life to use their voices to call out this rhetoric and to not let fear take over,” she said.
Hey Target Shoppers! From now until Dec. 2, you can get 50% off your first year of Target's Circle 360 membership . Members get unlimited same-day delivery and more so you can easily order groceries and gifts to your home, or even send someone a last-minute gift with Same Day Delivery during this holiday season. 1. A pre-lit Christmas tree that's THE solution to your annual light-untangling meltdown. Just unbox, plug in, and boom — you're living your best stress-free holiday life! (REPLACE) Promising review: "Loved it! The perfect size and lights are great. Just what I needed for my apartment space." — Sue Price: $75.99+ (originally $199.99+; available in six sizes) 2. An embroidered bath mat because nothing spreads holiday spirit quite like stepping onto a festive message after your shower. Complete with sweet scalloped edges and plush cotton that'll make your toes do a happy dance, you'll want to keep this out all winter long. Price: $10 3. A classic plaid table runner that instantly transforms your dining table into a cozy holiday gathering spot. Complete with playful tassels that'll have your guests asking, "where'd you get that?" You'll never want to put it away. (Bonus: it's machine washable, so spills are no big deal!) Promising review: "I was looking for a classic red and green plaid Christmas runner for a round marble table. I had my plates already and wanted to have both a darker and lighter green tone. This is perfect colors and size. Quality is great, and I love the raw edge. It went perfectly with my start of my Christmas gingerbread and classic Christmas tablescape." — Cr8tivewanderlust Price: $15 4. A 6-foot artificial garland to transform your space from meh to magical in as little a few seconds. Just drape and prepare to sleigh the holiday! Promising review: "Very simple and elegant, farmhouse feel. I added some fairy lights for a little sparkle (not pictured). I love that it looks natural, not loaded with glitter!" — ks Price: $30 5. A whimsical Christmas tree soap dispenser which turns your everyday hand-washing routine into a mini holiday moment. It features an adorable alpine design that's basically a tiny winter wonderland for your bathroom counter! Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this soap dispenser when I got it in the mail. It comes unscathed and looks more expensive than $5! Can't wait to use it for the holidays and winter months as well!" — Mring Price: $5 6. A showstopping wreath to make your neighbors wonder if you hired a professional decorator. Packed with lush faux cedar, pinecones, and red berries, your front door will stay Pinterest-perfect all season long (without dropping a single needle on your doorstep!) Promising review: "Super full and festive wreath. I like that it’s lightweight and will work through the winter beyond Christmas time. Highly recommend!" — EC Price: $30 7. A cable knit stocking because nothing says classic Christmas morning quite like knitted texture that looks like it was lovingly made by grandma. (But we won't tell!) Promising review: "I love these stockings. Got them for all the humans (these larger ones) and furballs (the smaller ones also sold by Target) in the house. Made well and just the right size." — Nicole Price: $10 (available in five colors) 8. A nostalgic throw blanket that's Hallmark movie marathon-ready. Featuring adorable red pickup trucks, candy canes, and Christmas trees, it'll make you want to cancel all plans (and maybe watch Elf for the millionth time 🤷♀️). Promising review: "Very colorful and great holiday accent." — Target Customer Price: $23.50 (originally $30) 9. A light-up musical decoration to transport you straight into a '50s Christmas special. Complete with twinkling LED lights, 12 classic carols, and a magical peek at Santa soaring through a snowy scene, it doubles as a Christmas playlist and a conversation starter. Promising review: "Nice size and sound, the lights are nice." — Christmas Radio Price: $64.99 (originally $68.24) 10. A plaid throw pillow since nothing says "sit and stay awhile" quite like traditional holiday checks. It'll make your space feel like a cozy mountain lodge (and yes, it's totally acceptable to keep it out until February). Promising review: "Beautiful pillow! Looks fantastic on my white couch for the holidays." — Lizr Price: $25 11. A tree skirt that serves vintage holiday realness with its crisp white trim and classic red coloring. It's giving grandma's Christmas, but make it 2024! Promising review: "Old school style. Reminds me of my childhood. Can’t go wrong with red and white colors on Christmas." — Melissa Price: $15 12. A set of candy cane pathway lights to serve North Pole realness all season long. Trust me, your whole neighborhood will be living for this driveway moment (and reviewers are buying several sets)! Promising review: "These candy cane lights come in a pack of three and are a must-have for your outside light display. My husband set them up along our driveway, and it looks adorable. Very easy to set up." — HFlores Price: $10 for a set of three 13. A candy cane cake plate for when you're ready to give those holiday desserts the stage presence they deserve. See those candy cane-inspired swirls? Everyone will think your cake came from Santa's personal bakery! Price: $41.31 (originally $51.64) 14. A set of two light-up stocking holders that will really make spirits bright around the fire (or wherever you hang your stockings)! Promising review: "Stunning! Even the kids like them. They are even prettier in person than in the pics online. They take 2 AA batteries each. There is an ON/OFF switch and an optional timer switch. The directions are hidden under the battery cover. The metal gold paint is nicely applied, the lights are symmetrical, and the hooks are straight. Even with the lights off, they are pretty. I don't know how long the battery lasts, but Christmas only comes once a year, so I won't mind changing them a few times. I think the timer will help save battery life. T hese don't look like just ordinary holder you grabbed on the go; they look like something you'd find at a more expensive high-end department store like Lord & Taylor, etc. Order them! " — NYFinest Price: $20 for two 15. A short glass tumbler since regular cups are sooo last Christmas. It features a beautiful bow and golden rim that'll have your guests fighting over who gets to use the "fancy glass." Promising review: "I love these gold-rimmed glasses. They are big, sturdy, and well-made. The bow is not bright red, more muted and burgundy, but that’s perfect for me." — Lori Price: $3 16. An adorable kitchen towel which turns mundane kitchen cleanup into a festive affair. It's decked out with the cutest collection of holiday cookies you've ever seen — and bonus, these ones won't leave any crumbs on your counter! Promising review: "So adorable and on theme. I kind of want to go back and grab another!" — RebeccaP Price: $3 17. A jolly Santa mug for when your regular cup just isn't bringing enough Christmas cheer. This 17-ounce charmer looks like St. Nick himself is guarding your hot cocoa, and the best part? You can toss him in the dishwasher after your third peppermint mocha. Promising review: "I bought every one that was in-store near me! These are so cute! I will have them for my annual Christmas party, and I know it will be a hit among family and friends." — Bjoy Price: $5 18. A trio of bottle brush trees because who says you can't have a tiny enchanted forest on your bookshelf? These retro-inspired bottlebrush beauties come decked out in shiny ornaments and look like they were plucked straight from a vintage Christmas shop (minus the vintage price tag and dusty attic smell)! Price: $53.89 (originally $76.99) 19. A "ho ho ho" doormat that spreads holiday cheer for you. This jolly greeter catches dirt like a champ while making every delivery person smile — and let's be real, they deserve some extra spirit after hauling all those packages to your door! Promising review: "This doormat is adorable! Absolutely love it! Can’t wait to put it out." — Ldoone Price: $13 20. A textured oversize pillow because basic Christmas decor is so last season. The contemporary looped tree design proves you can be festive AND fancy at the same time — a win-win! Promising review: "This pillow fits great with my home and decor. I was excited to find a natural pillow for the holidays, and you can't beat the large size, either! Super fluffy and cozy, I love it!" — JHend19 Price: $37.99 (available in four colors) 21. A pink Christmas tree that'll make your traditional red and green decor look like it needs to step up its game. This glam goddess comes ready to party with pre-lit branches and enough sparkle to blind Santa himself. The best part? Even your most traditional relatives will secretly want one! Promising review: "For the price, this tree is amazing! So full and tall. In some light, it can appear pink; in others, it's rose gold. I’m not even sure I want to put ornaments on it! It really is quite beautiful." — Radley roo Price: $87.99+ (originally $199.99+; available in three sizes) 22. An adorable gingerbread gift box so cute, your present will be even more memorable than it already is. This adorable iron container shows off a gingerbread man dressed in his winter best, ready to guard your holiday treats! Price: $5 23. A peppermint swirl table cloth that'll make your dinner table look like it was decorated by Santa's personal interior designer. Its cheerful candy cane print brings the holiday spirit and saves you from spending the whole party worrying about spills. Price: $5 24. A plaid red, white, and green quilt which brings timeless holiday charm to your bedroom. With crisp white tartan on one side and rich red on the other, it's like getting two quilts for the price of one — plus, it's machine-washable for all those breakfast-in-bed Christmas mornings! Promising review: "I love this bedding! The quality is exceptional. The quilt's colors and the matching pillows are so festive!" — Andrea Price: $59.99 (available in sizes full/queen–king and two colors) 25. A forest fir-scented candle to trick your guests into thinking you dropped $$$ on a real tree. While you entertain company, your home will smell like a cozy winter wonderland. Promising review: "This is the best classic Christmas scent. Bought three last year and used them all. A very elevated lux scent for a great price. Love the jar designs each year, too!" — JackieB Price: $10 Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Luke Williams feels Swansea ‘lost grip’ on game despite sealing victory at Derby
NoneHow a crash on New Year’s Day 2021 has led to attempts to equip vehicles with blood alcohol monitoring systems. Related Articles On Friday Jan. 1, 2021, a sport utility vehicle was traveling near Avenal in central California while a pickup truck — occupied by a driver and seven passengers, ranging in age from 6 to 15 years old — was traveling north on State Route 33. The SUV accelerated to a speed between 88 and 98 mph, then it ran off the shoulder to the right. The driver overcorrected to the left and the SUV crossed the centerline into the other lane, directly in front of the oncoming pickup truck. The SUV and pickup truck collided head-on and the truck immediately caught fire. The SUV driver and all eight (seven children) pickup truck occupants died. National Transportation Safety Board investigators found that the SUV driver had a high level of alcohol intoxication and was operating at an excessive speed. The issues of impaired driving and excessive speeding are both on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements. “Technology could’ve prevented this heartbreaking crash — just as it can prevent the tens of thousands of fatalities from impaired driving and speeding-related crashes we see in the U.S. annually,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. “We need to implement the technologies we have right here, right now to save lives.” With all the public service announcements and money spent on education and prevention, alcohol-related fatalities in the U.S. have increased over the past several years. The NTSB pushed legislation in the Investment and Infrastructure and Jobs Act (of 2021) that new vehicles sold in the U.S., as soon as 2026, to be equipped with . Passive alcohol detection systems are still in the developmental stages. The Department of Transportation is allowed to extend the period for mandatory implementation of these sensors, if technically necessary.Several legal groups such as the ACLU have voiced concern over how the data from these systems would be used. The says on its website that “in order to be considered for widespread deployment, the Driver Alcohol Detection System technology must be seamless, accurate, and precise, and unobtrusive to the sober driver. It must also be proven reliable to be installed in the vehicle fleet and publicly favorable.” Unlike the systems currently mandated by states for drivers convicted of DUI offenses, which require them to breathe into a tube before starting their vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 17 automakers have been developing and testing a passive breath test and a touch-based system that uses infrared light to measure the blood alcohol level through the skin as part of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety program. These systems would work by continually monitoring the alcohol level of the driver with sensors located near the steering wheel. The system would constantly monitor the driver’s breath in an unobtrusive manner. If the unit detects an elevated blood alcohol content level, the vehicle will become inoperable. Alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities were highest in Texas (1,495), followed by California (1,159) and Florida (871), and lowest in the District of Columbia (7). The percentage of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities among total traffic fatalities in states ranged from a high of 45% (Montana) to a low of 21% (the District of Columbia, Mississippi and Utah), compared to the national average of 30%. Of the 42,514 traffic fatalities in 2022, there were an estimated 13,524 people (32%) killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. The number of people killed in the U.S. by alcohol-related accidents in 2022 is more than 46 fully-loaded Boeing 757s (289 passengers each). As of April 2023, 38 U.S. states had legalized medical marijuana and 23 had legalized its recreational use. It’s illegal everywhere to drive impaired by the drug. Sources: University of Indiana; California Department of Motor Vehicles; MADD, NTSB, The Associated Press, Driver Alcohol Detection SystemThe Illawarra's much-loved Wodi Wodi Walking Track is open again. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading After significant improvements along a 2.15km section, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) South Coast Branch opened the track in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area just before Christmas. The track, designed to provide a comfortable circular trip, starts at Stanwell Park Station and ends near Coalcliff Station. Classified as Grade 4 Australian walking track, the mostly uphill route weaves through dense forest and features amazing sandstone stairs and elevated boardwalks. The walk winds its way through tranquil creeks, unique flora, and offers stunning ocean glimpses. The $2 million upgrade took 18 months to complete in challenging, remote terrain, requiring careful planning and several helicopter operations . Track realignments were made to better manage and preserve cultural and environmental features, while stormwater management has been improved through grade reversals, drainage, and paved swales. "Thank you to the workers for the great job they've done on the sandstone steps and repair to the track, just in time for the summer holidays," Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart "This is a beautiful part of the northern Illawarra and connection to our coastal walking tracks." The Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast was equally delighted. "This is a beautiful part of the world, and I'm so proud and excited it gets to feature as part of the Great Southern Walk . "This project will bring people from all over the world and allow them to enjoy the wonders of our region, while also protecting our local natural environment," Ryan Park said. The Wodi Wodi upgrade marks another milestone in the broader 67-kilometre Great Southern Walk, a multi-day hike that will eventually stretch from Sydney to Wollongong. The NSW Government has invested $17.46 million to the Great Southern Walk project, which will start in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, and finish at the Gateway Centre, Bulli Tops. More from Environment Newsletters & Alerts 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 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 Find out what's happening in local business. 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The Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock when Zan Vipotnik sent a bullet past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Ronald slotted home his first of the season in the 14th minute. Cyrus Christie brought Tom Barkhuizen down inside the box and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit in half and, despite piling on the pressure, Derby succumbed to a second home defeat of the season. Williams told a press conference: “We started the game very well, we were good up until we scored the second goal then we lost the grip on the game and I thought Derby were the better team. “The next thing for us we have to be able to maintain that level throughout the game and we weren’t able to do that to be quite honest today. “They made it difficult, reacted very well after the second goal and didn’t go under, far from it.” Swansea leapfrogged their opponents into the top half of the table with their sixth win of the season and took three points back to south Wales following two last-minute defeats by Burnley and Leeds heading into the match. Williams added: “We’ve recently conceded late goals but they’re a very resilient group and we saw it out in the end. “We’ve dominated games a lot but probably failed to score when we’ve been that dominant and tonight we managed to score the goals when we were dominant. “We scored the goals at the right time today.” Derby had been unbeaten in their last three matches coming into this one but Paul Warne put defeat down to a poor start. He said: “We conceded two and didn’t get close enough, weren’t aggressive enough, not enough body contact and looked soft, that’s my fault. “Maybe I didn’t message it properly. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to shape and tactics but I thought that was what the difference was. “Credit Swansea for the win but after the 25 mins it looked like we would score. I really enjoyed it, that’s the truth. I had 70 minutes of a team giving everything, I don’t think we’ve had that many attempts in the Championship this season. “It’s a rude awakening, last year we would’ve won that 4-2.”Spotify Technology SA SPOT released its annual list of the most listened-to songs, albums, artists and podcasts and just like last year it's Taylor Swift's world and we're all just living in it. What Happened: For a second straight year, Taylor Swift sits atop the Spotify Wrapped list of the top streamed artists on Spotify with 26.6 billion streams globally. Swift, who set records with her Eras Tour over the last two years, was also the top streamed artist in the U.S. Shared by Spotify Wednesday, here are the top 10 lists for artists, songs, albums and podcasts globally for 2024. Top Artists 2024: Taylor Swift The Weeknd Bad Bunny Drake Billie Eilish Travis Scott Peso Pluma Kanye West Ariana Grande Feid Top streamed songs 2024: "Espresso" – Sabrina Carpenter "Beautiful Things" – Benson Boone "Birds of a Feather" – Billie Eilish "Gata Only" – FloyyMenor, Cris Mj "Lose Control" – Teddy Swims "End of Beginning" – Djo "Too Sweet" – Hozier "One Of The Girls (with JENNIE, Lily Rose Depp) – The Weeknd "Cruel Summer" – Taylor Swift "Die With A Smile" – Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga Top streamed albums 2024: The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology – Taylor Swift Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish Short n' Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO – Karol G Eternal Sunshine – Ariana Grande 1989 (Taylor's Version) – Taylor Swift SOS – SZA Lover – Taylor Swift Fireworks & Rollerblades – Benson Boone Starboy – The Weeknd Top podcasts 2024: The Joe Rogan Experience Call Her Daddy Huberman Lab This Past Weekend with Theo Von The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett Serial Killers Relatos de la Noche Crime Junkie Café Com Deus Pai El Podcast de Marian Rojas Estapé To celebrate Swift's win in 2024, the artist will have a special badge on her Spotify artist profile, the company said. Read Also: Trump Shakes Off Taylor Swift’s Harris Endorsement In 2024 Election: ‘She’ll Probably Pay A Price For It In The Marketplace’ U.S. Top Lists: Spotify also shared geographical lists where top streaming data can be viewed by some regions and by several of the largest cities in the U.S. Here are the top streamed lists for the U.S. Top Artists 2024 (U.S.): Taylor Swift Drake Zach Bryan Morgan Wallen Kanye West Future Kendrick Lamar Travis Scott The Weeknd Metro Boomin Top streamed songs 2024 (U.S.): "Espresso" – Sabrina Carpenter "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" – Shaboozey "I Had Some Help (featuring Morgan Wallen)" – Post Malone "Million Dollar Baby" – Tommy Richman "Good Luck Babe!" – Chappell Roan "Beautiful Things" – Benson Boone "Birds of a Feather" – Billie Eilish "I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)" – Zach Bryan "Stick Season" – Noah Kahan Top streamed albums 2024 (U.S.): The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology – Taylor Swift One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen Short n' Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter Stick Season – Noah Kahan The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess – Chappell Roan Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish SOS – SZA Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan 1989 (Taylor's Version) – Taylor Swift Top podcasts 2024 (U.S.): The Joe Rogan Experience Call Her Daddy This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von Crime Junkie The Daily The Tucker Carlson Show Huberman Lab Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Smosh Reads Reddit Stories Shawn Ryan Show Similar to the global charts, Swift dominated the artist and album list for Spotify users in the U.S. The Winners: Along with Swift, there were multiple winners that can be identified from the list including country music and female artists. For the business side of things, Universal Music Group NV UMGNF UNVGY looks to be a winner. Universal was the record company for many of the top streamed albums or the owner of smaller record labels the artists were on. This includes Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, The Weeknd, Noah Kahan, Morgan Wallen and Chappell Roan. Warner Music Group WMG can claim success for Benson Boone and Zach Bryan on the list. Sony Music, a unit of Sony Group Corp SONY , was behind SZA's album. On the podcast side of things, Joe Rogan dominated both globally and in the U.S., which comes as he is no longer exclusive to Spotify. Rogan was recently ranked third on the Apple podcasts 2024 list, which showed he might not be number one on every platform outside of Spotify. Read Next: Spotify Technology Rallies After Earnings: ‘Ample Capacity For Capital Returns’ Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16 . Australia's new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life — formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they're not ready for, the nation's move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep. The ban won't go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That's not clear, nor will it be easy. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people's lives that going cold turkey will be difficult. Other questions loom. Does the ban limit kids' free expression and — especially for those in vulnerable groups — isolate them and curtail their opportunity to connect with members of their community? And how will social sites verify people's ages, anyway? Can't kids just get around such technicalities, as they so often do? This is, after all, the 21st century — an era when social media is the primary communications tool for most of those born in the past 25 years who, in a fragmented world, seek the common cultures of trends, music and memes. What happens when big swaths of that fall away? Is Australia's initiative a good, long-time-coming development that will protect the vulnerable, or could it become a well-meaning experiment with unintended consequences? The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. “It’s clear that social media companies have to be held accountable, which is what Australia is trying to do,” said Jim Steyer, president and CEO of the nonprofit Common Sense Media. Leaders and parents in countries around the world are watching Australia’s policy closely as many seek to protect young kids from the internet's dangerous corners — and, not incidentally, from each other. Most nations have taken different routes, from parental consent requirements to minimum age limits. Many child safety experts, parents and even teens who have waited to get on social media consider Australia's move a positive step. They say there’s ample reason to ensure that children wait. “What’s most important for kids, just like adults, is real human connection. Less time alone on the screen means more time to connect, not less," said Julie Scelfo, the founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, or MAMA, a grassroots group of parents aimed at combatting the harms of social media to children. “I’m confident we can support our kids in interacting in any number of ways aside from sharing the latest meme.” The harms to children from social media have been well documented in the two decades since Facebook’s launch ushered in a new era in how the world communicates. Kids who spend more time on social media, especially as tweens or young teenagers, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, according to multiple studies — though it is not yet clear if there is a causal relationship. What's more, many are exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age, including pornography and violence, as well as social pressures about body image and makeup . They also face bullying, sexual harassment and unwanted advances from their peers as well as adult strangers. Because their brains are not fully developed, teenagers, especially younger ones the law is focused on, are also more affected by social comparisons than adults, so even happy posts from friends can send them into a negative spiral. Many major initiatives, particularly those aimed at social engineering, can produce side effects — often unintended. Could that happen here? What, if anything, do kids stand to lose by separating kids and the networks in which they participate? Paul Taske, associate director of litigation at the tech lobbying group NetChoice, says he considers the ban “one of the most extreme violations of free speech on the world stage today" even as he expressed relief that the First Amendment prevents such law in the United States "These restrictions would create a massive cultural shift,” Taske said. “Not only is the Australian government preventing young people from engaging with issues they’re passionate about, but they’re also doing so even if their parents are ok with them using digital services," he said. "Parents know their children and their needs the best, and they should be making these decisions for their families — not big government. That kind of forcible control over families inevitably will have downstream cultural impacts.” David Inserra, a fellow for Free Expression and Technology, Cato Institute, called the bill “about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike” in a recent blog post . While Australia's law doesn't require “hard verification” such as an uploaded ID, he said, it calls for effective “age assurance.” He said no verification system can ensure accuracy while also protecting privacy and not impacting adults in the process. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about the law's effect on online anonymity, a cornerstone of online communications — and something that can protect teens on social platforms. “Whether it be religious minorities and dissidents, LGBTQ youth, those in abusive situations, whistleblowers, or countless other speakers in tricky situations, anonymous speech is a critical tool to safely challenge authority and express controversial opinions,” Inserra said. A spot check of kids at one mall in the Australian city of Brisbane on Wednesday didn't turn up a great deal of worry, though. “Social media is still important because you get to talk to people, but I think it’s still good that they’re like limiting it,” said Swan Son, a 13-year-old student at Brisbane State High School. She said she has had limited exposure to social media and wouldn’t really miss it for a couple of years. Her parents already enforce a daily one-hour limit. And as for her friends? “I see them at school every day, so I think I’ll be fine.” Conor Negric, 16, said he felt he’d dodged a bullet because of his age. Still, he considers the law reasonable. “I think 16 is fine. Some kids, I know some kids like 10 who’re on Instagram, Snapchat. I only got Instagram when I was 14." His mom, Sive Negric, who has two teenage sons, said she was happy for her boys to avoid exposure to social media too early: “That aspect of the internet, it’s a bit `meanland.'" Parents in Britain and across Europe earlier this year organized on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to promise not to buy smartphones for children younger than 12 or 13. This approach costs almost no money and requires no government enforcement. In the United States, some parents are keeping kids off social media either informally or as part of an organized campaign such as Wait Until 8th, a group that helps parents delay kids' access to social media and phones. This fall, Norway announced plans to ban kids under 15 from using social media, while France is testing a smartphone ban for kids under 15 in a limited number of schools — a policy that could be rolled out nationwide if successful. U.S. lawmakers have held multiple congressional hearings — most recently in January — on child online safety. Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding. In July, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content , pushing forward with what would be the first major effort by Congress in decades to hold tech companies more accountable. But the Kids Online Safety Act has since stalled in the House. While several states have passed laws requiring age verification, those are stuck in court. Utah became the first state to pass laws regulating children’s social media use in 2023. In September, a judge issued the preliminary injunction against the law, which would have required social media companies to verify the ages of users, apply privacy settings and limit some features. NetChoice has also obtained injunctions temporarily halting similar laws in several other states. And last May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said there is insufficient evidence to show social media is safe for kids. He urged policymakers to treat social media like car seats, baby formula, medication and other products children use. “Why should social media products be any different? Scelfo said. “Parents cannot possibly bear the entire responsibility of keeping children safe online, because the problems are baked into the design of the products.” Associated Press Writers John Pye in Brisbane, Australia and Laurie Kellman in London contributed to this story.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he'll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There's going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he's pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl, Trump posted. Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation , while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would counter the move with tariffs on U.S. products. House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” “The economy department is preparing it,” Sheinbaum said. “If there are tariffs, Mexico would increase tariffs, it is a technical task about what would also benefit Mexico,” she said, suggesting her country would impose targeted import duties on U.S. goods in sensitive areas. Similarly, the Canadian government has also started to explore retaliatory tariffs if Trump tackes action. House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans' coming control of both the House and Senate. "This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November's election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world's second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump's tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they are now seen as part of the policy toolkit by the United States and other countries. Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared to the overall economy. America's gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump's tariffs — if they're imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices. This would mirror price increases by many companies in 2022 that were made possible because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which pushed up food and energy prices and gave the companies cover to further raise their own prices. “I’m very worried about the total indiscriminate tariffs on more than China — that it gives cover to firms to jack up prices,” said Jen Harris, a former Biden White House official who is now director of the Economy and Society Initiative at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. But what Trump didn't really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City.
Musk accuses Trump whistleblower Vindman of 'treason,' says 'he will pay'The closely-fought Irish general election campaign has entered its final day, as concern over the economic threat posed by Donald Trump becomes an electoral theme. With housing and the cost of living among key concerns, Irish voters are being wooed with substantial spending promises from the main parties, despite economists warning of "a clear and present danger" to Ireland's corporation tax revenues from the president-elect, who assumes office in Washington on 20 January. Around a quarter of Ireland's tax take comes from foreign-owned multinational companies, largely in the technology, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Donald Trump wants those American firms to book their profits, and pay their taxes, in the US instead. He also has plans for tariffs of up to 20% on goods from EU countries. Ireland currently has a record trade surplus with the US of some €35bn (£29bn). Mr Trump's choice for commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, has already taken aim at Ireland's trade policies, saying it's "nonsense that Ireland of all places runs a trade surplus at our expense...when we end this nonsense, America will be a truly great country again. You'll be shocked". These are ominous signs for Irish economists like Dan O'Brien, who works with the Institute of International and European Affairs. More on Ireland Fianna Fail doubles down on refusal to form coalition with Sinn Fein Conor McGregor: Tesco among shops ditching alcohol linked to MMA star after rape case Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says she will demand referendum on Irish unity if she wins election Related Topics: Ireland Mary Lou McDonald Micheál Martin Simon Harris He said it's "very difficult to overstate how dependent on its economic integration with the United States" Ireland is, as in many ways "it's the basis of our economic model". "If we didn't have those American companies here employing hundreds of thousands of people directly, many more indirectly, manufacturing goods to sell to the United States, paying a lot of corporation tax, the Irish economy would look radically different." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player For Mr O'Brien, the spending plans of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, who along with the Green Party formed the last government, as well as those of the main opposition party Sinn Fein, need to be viewed with caution. Mr O'Brien said: "It's very stark to listen to the political debate in the UK, where it's so much about austerity as it is in many European countries these days, and here in Ireland, where the politicians are promising everything because the public finances are so good. It's always a mistake for politicians to pretend to voters that the good times will go on forever. Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News "I'm not saying it's going to be a recession or worse, but it is a clear and present danger given what the most powerful man in the world has said he is going to do." On the campaign trail, the issue of Donald Trump's plans has increasingly been put to candidates. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player At an event in Dundrum, Co Dublin, Sky News asked Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris why the second Trump term is being viewed as such a threat, especially as corporation tax revenues in Ireland increased during the first Trump White House. Mr Harris said: "Trump 2.0, the second Trump presidency, is not the same as the first for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he's received a very large mandate. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Read more: Trump cabinet picks 'targeted' Tesco drops McGregor after rape case "If three US companies left Ireland, it could cost us €10bn (£8bn) in corporation tax. I'm not pre-empting that, I'm not saying it's going to happen, I'm not predicting it, but that's the level of risk that our economy is exposed to." Asked if Ireland should be scared of the new administration, Mr Harris replied: "No, but we shouldn't be in any way ignorant to the policy platform that President Trump has put forward."