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MILAN — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. A man walks past a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The average rent on the Milan street surged to $2,047 per square foot, compared with $2,000 per square foot on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. Via MonteNapoleone's small size — less than a quarter-mile long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. "Not everything can fit, which is a benefit," since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral. Women look a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and longtime tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. A mannequin is seen Dec. 12 in a shop in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. "I got a lot," Chen acknowledged. "It's a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A man waits for a taxi Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleon street in Milan, Italy. A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, yardslong knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours," Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Buildings are decorated Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement. "Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole," said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. She also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time." The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. Made Trade rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Made Trade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.Building community through love at Meemaws Hometown Kitchen, a pay-what-you-can restaurant in Union
Daily Post Nigeria Gov Alia calls for unity against insecurity in Benue Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Gov Alia calls for unity against insecurity in Benue Published on December 28, 2024 By Ochogwu Sunday The governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has called on the people of Benue to remain resilient and united in the fight against insecurity in the state. Governor Alia made this call on Saturday, December 28, 2024, while speaking at this year’s Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace held at the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist, Gboko. The appeal comes a few days after suspected herdsmen launched an unprovoked attack on the Anwase community in Kwande Local Government Area, where about 11 innocent residents were gruesomely murdered on Christmas Day. Addressing the state’s security challenges, Alia emphasised that achieving peace requires a collective commitment to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build a society where every citizen can thrive. “We have a problem on our hands, and this problem did not start from somewhere else. It started from within ourselves before external forces began leveraging it to destroy us,” the governor stated. He added that lasting peace in the state depends on citizens setting aside their differences and taking a deliberate stand against insecurity, stressing that while he serves as the leader, all the people collectively constitute the government. Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering peace in the state, urging residents to take intentional steps toward achieving it. “For us to get peace, we have to be deliberate; we have to be direct. God has given us peace, and we must also give peace,” he said. The governor expressed gratitude to those working tirelessly to restore peace in their communities, particularly acknowledging the significant efforts of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Most Rev Isaac Dugu, for the return of peace in Sankera. He also called for the continuation of the Peace Mass to include other tribes in the state that are equally affected by insecurity. Related Topics: Alia Benue Don't Miss IDF completes raid on northern Gaza hospital, arrests 240 terror suspects You may like Gwamna Hyacinth ya yi alƙawarin binciko maharan ranar Kirsimeti Benue: They’ll pay dearly for it – Alia fumes as herdsmen slaughter 11 people on Christmas Day Gunmen reportedly kill 11 in Benue Gwamna Alia ya bayar da hutun Kirsimeti na makonni biyu a Benue Gov Alia declares two-week public holidays for Benue workers Gwamnatin Benue ta ba da hutun mako 2 Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdWatch Wicked Movie’s ‘What Is This Feeling?’ Performance by Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo
ATLANTA (AP) — Deliberations are underway in Atlanta after a year of testimony in the gang and racketeering trial that originally included the rapper Young Thug. Jurors are considering whether to convict Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, who raps as Yak Gotti, on gang, murder, drug and gun charges. The original indictment charged 28 people with conspiring to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Opening statements in the trial for six of those defendants happened a year ago . Four of them, including Young Thug, pleaded guilty last month. The rapper was freed on probation. Stillwell and Kendrick rejected plea deals after more than a week of negotiations, and their lawyers chose not to present evidence or witnesses. Both seemed to be in good spirits Tuesday morning after closings wrapped the previous night. Kendrick was chatting and laughing with Stillwell and his lawyers before the jury arrived for instructions. The jury started deliberating Tuesday afternoon and was dismissed at 5 p.m. Jurors are expected to resume deliberations Wednesday morning. If they don’t reach a verdict by 3 p.m. Wednesday, the judge will send them home for the Thanksgiving weekend and they will return Monday morning. Kendrick and Stillwell were charged in the 2015 killing of Donovan Thomas Jr., also known as “Big Nut,” in an Atlanta barbershop. Prosecutors painted Stillwell and Kendrick as members of a violent street gang called Young Slime Life, or YSL, co-founded in 2012 by Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams. During closings on Monday, they pointed to tattoos, song lyrics and social media posts they said proved members, including Stillwell, admitted to killing people in rival gangs. Prosecutors say Thomas was in a rival gang. Stillwell was also charged in the 2022 killing of Shymel Drinks, which prosecutors said was in retaliation for the killing of two YSL associates days earlier. Defense attorneys Doug Weinstein and Max Schardt said the state presented unreliable witnesses, weak evidence and cherry-picked lyrics and social media posts to push a false narrative about Stillwell, Kendrick and the members of YSL. Schardt, Stillwell's attorney, reminded the jury that alleged YSL affiliates said during the trial that they had lied to police. Law enforcement played a “sick game” by promising they would escape long prison sentences if they said what police wanted them to say, Schardt said. He theorized that one of those witnesses could have killed Thomas. The truth is that their clients were just trying to escape poverty through music, Schardt said. “As a whole, we know the struggles that these communities have had,” Schardt said. “A sad, tacit acceptance that it’s either rap, prison or death.” Young Thug’s record label is also known as YSL, an acronym of Young Stoner Life. Kendrick was featured on two popular songs from the label’s compilation album Slime Language 2, “Take It to Trial" and “Slatty," which prosecutors presented as evidence in the trial. Weinstein, Kendrick’s defense attorney, said during closings it was wrong for prosecutors to target the defendants for their music and lyrics. Prosecutor Simone Hylton disagreed, and said surveillance footage and phone evidence supported her case. “They have the audacity to think they can just brag about killing somebody and nobody’s gonna hold them accountable,” Hylton said. The trial had more than its fair share of delays. Jury selection took nearly 10 months , and Stillwell was stabbed last year at the Fulton County jail, which paused trial proceedings. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker took over after Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville was removed from the case in July because he had a meeting with prosecutors and a state witness without defense attorneys present. Whitaker often lost patience with prosecutors over moves such as not sharing evidence with defense attorneys, once accusing them of “poor lawyering.” But the trial sped up under her watch. In October, four defendants, including Young Thug , pleaded guilty, with the rapper entering a non-negotiated or “blind” plea, meaning he didn't have a deal worked out with prosecutors. Nine people charged in the indictment, including rapper Gunna , accepted plea deals before the trial began. Charges against 12 others are pending. Prosecutors dropped charges against one defendant after he was convicted of murder in an unrelated case. Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon
A Race Against Time “Every two weeks, the world loses an indigenous language, erasing an entire history and identity with it.” These words are not just a statement but a warning. Indigenous languages are the cornerstone of cultural heritage, passed down through generations as a living record of traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. However, globalization, urban migration, and generational disconnect have placed thousands of these languages at risk. In this digital age, technology is emerging as an unlikely hero, helping preserve and revive indigenous languages and cultures around the world. As a Kashmiri Pandit deeply connected to my roots, I have seen how cultural preservation anchors communities to their history. This is especially important in regions like Kashmir, where centuries-old scripts and dialects, such as the Sharda script, are being revived as a symbol of cultural pride and identity. The Global Crisis: Why Are Indigenous Languages Dying? The statistics are alarming. According to UNESCO, 40% of the world’s 6,700 languages are endangered, with hundreds already lost in the last few decades. Languages die when communities abandon them in favor of dominant global languages, often driven by economic aspirations, urbanization, and modern education systems. Colonization and cultural marginalization have further accelerated this decline, leaving younger generations disconnected from their native tongues. Indigenous languages are more than just a means of communication; they carry unique knowledge of ecosystems, oral histories, and identity. Their loss means the erasure of cultural diversity and traditional wisdom—a loss for humanity as a whole. Technology as a Catalyst: Global Efforts in Reviving Indigenous Languages In a hopeful turn, technology is playing a transformative role in preserving and revitalizing endangered languages. These global examples showcase how technology, when used effectively, can save languages from extinction and inspire pride in cultural heritage. India: A Nation of Linguistic Heritage India, home to over 700 indigenous languages, is a living mosaic of linguistic diversity. However, many of these dialects are on the brink of extinction, particularly in tribal and rural communities. Government and grassroots initiatives are stepping up to address this crisis: Closer home, efforts are being made in Kashmir to revive the Sharda script, an ancient writing system once used for religious and literary texts. Initiatives like these highlight the importance of balancing modern innovation with cultural preservation. Education: A Pathway to Preservation Integrating indigenous languages into formal education systems is essential for their survival. In New Zealand, the government has successfully made Te Reo Māori a core part of the school curriculum, sparking widespread adoption among younger generations. India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also emphasizes the inclusion of regional and indigenous languages in primary education, ensuring that children learn in their mother tongue. However, the challenge lies in creating engaging and scalable solutions. Technology can bridge this gap through e-learning platforms, mobile apps, and interactive content that make indigenous languages exciting for younger audiences. Challenges: Bridging Generational and Digital Divides Despite significant progress, the road to language revival is not without hurdles: “Technology can document and teach a language, but its survival lies in people embracing it in daily life,” as one language revivalist aptly observed. A Personal Vision for Kashmir’s Cultural Revival Having seen firsthand the impact of digital platforms in preserving cultures, I believe that regions like Kashmir can lead the way in showcasing the power of technology in cultural preservation. Initiatives that train local youth in digital storytelling, filmmaking, and app development can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Platforms showcasing Kashmiri handicrafts, folk tales, and regional scripts can open global markets while safeguarding the valley’s rich heritage. A Global Movement Rooted in Local Identity The revival of indigenous languages and cultures in a digital world is a testament to the resilience of communities determined to preserve their identity. Technology, when combined with education, policy, and grassroots efforts, offers a powerful solution to a crisis threatening cultural diversity. As we celebrate the success stories of Te Reo Māori, Quechua, and India’s tribal languages, it becomes clear that the survival of indigenous languages lies in the hands of those who embrace them in both tradition and innovation. In Kashmir, where heritage and identity hold deep significance, preserving linguistic and cultural traditions must remain a priority. The marriage of technology and tradition has the potential to not only save languages but also reconnect communities to their roots, ensuring that no story, song, or history is ever lost to time. Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development .NoneTwins deal LHP Jovani Moran to Red Sox for INF Mickey Gasper
Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The National Lacrosse League has launched an investigation after a jarring scene broke out following a recent Halifax Thunderbirds game. A video circulated online showing professional lacrosse player Tyson Bell engaged in a physical altercation with fans following Saturday's game against the Colorado Mammoth . At one point during the fight, Bell appeared to utilize his lacrosse stick. The NLL acknowledged it was aware of what transpired after this past weekend's game. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Lacrosse sticks lay on the field before a game. (Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) "The National Lacrosse League is aware of an alleged incident between a player and spectator(s) following the Halifax at the Colorado game on December 21st," the NLL said in a statement released on Dec. 22. "The League will provide an update after it has completed its investigation." The video shared to social media appeared to show Bell "attacking the fans with his fist before swinging his stick at them," per TMZ Sports . MICHIGAN'S SHOCKING UPSET OVER OHIO STATE ERUPTS INTO CHAOS AS MASSIVE BRAWL BREAKS OUT AT MIDFIELD Fans did appear to direct insults at the athletes as they made their way to the locker room. Bell's teammates eventually intervened and held him back in an attempt to deescalate the situation. A broken lacrosse stick lies on the sideline. (Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Colorado defeated Halifax on Saturday. Colorado forward Will Malcolm led the team with 10 points and seven goals in the 9-14 victory. Meanwhile, Bell did not record a goal during the game. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Other details surrounding the incident were not immediately known. The Thunderbirds host the Albany FireWolves on Dec. 28 at Scotiabank Centre. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.Emotion AI: awakening the ghost in the machine
SHOPPERS are urged to stock up on grocery items before New Year's Day. The public holiday means shops will have reduced hours or be shut all together, with Trader Joes confirming it will close all 597 stores on January 1. You can get some shopping done on New Year‘s Eve, though, as Trader Joe's will be open during their usual Sunday business hours from 8 am to 6 pm. Individual stores may have different hours, so it is always a good idea to check online or call ahead. However, Aldi and Costco will be no help on New Year's Day as both retailers confirm they will shut down. Walmart and Target will be open at their normal operating hours on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Read more on Trader Joe's However, shoppers are urged to check their local shops for exact holiday hours as they may vary by location. With stores closing down, shoppers are advised to plan ahead, especially during the busy festive season when supermarkets can be crowded. SHUT IT DOWN It is not the first time supermarkets have shut down recently. Major retailers, including Walmart, Costco, and Target, shut down on Christmas Day to give their workers a break to spend time with family. Most read in Money This means planning is essential - particularly when many stores are closed on New Year's Eve. For those in a serious bind, pharmacies may be open on New Year’s Day including Walgreens and CVS. According to a Walgreens spokesperson, most Walgreens will be open on New Year’s Day with adjusted operating hours from 9am to 6pm. 24-hour Walgreens locations will remain open as normal. This may be a good option to grab some last minute items if you ran out of time to go grocery shopping. Safeway will also be open in some locations, with reduced hours. SPECIFIC SHOPS TO OPEN Other supermarkets open include Giant Food, with many stores open from 8 am to 5 pm on New Year's Day. A majority of 7-Eleven stores will be open 24/7 with some locations operating with adjusted hours. The U.S. Sun reports on retail, including how Walmart and Target prepared for the holiday rush . Read More on The US Sun Shoppers are also being advised to pay attention to key dates if they are hoping to return items. Many retailers put a time limit on how long you have to return or exchange the item.