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Apple may ditch MLS Season Pass, make games free to Apple TV subscribers

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Major League Soccer fans will reportedly not need an Apple MLS Season pass to watch in 2026, which would allow an Apple TV subscriber to enjoy games without paying extra.

MLS on Apple TV

According to a report on Thursday by ESPN, Apple TV viewers will be able to watch regular-season matches, Leagues Cup games, the MLS All-Star Game, the Campeones Cup and MLS Cup Playoffs for no additional charge. The Disney-owned troubled sports broadcasting network cites unnamed sources.

As of November 13, 2025, soccer fans must pay for an MLS Season Pass subscription, whether or not they already pay for Apple TV. The subscription costs $14.99 per month.

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This story originally appeared on Appleinsider

Nvidia drags Wall Street toward its worst day in a month as AI superstars keep weakening

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The U.S. stock market is tumbling toward one of its worst days since its springtime sell-off, as Nvidia and other AI superstar stocks keep dropping Thursday on worries their prices shot too high. Wall Street is also questioning whether the coming cuts to interest rates that it’s been banking on will actually happen.

The S&P 500 sank 1.5% and pulled further from its all-time high set late last month. It’s on track for its worst day in a month and its second-worst since plunging in April after President Donald Trump shocked the world with his announcement of “Liberation Day” tariffs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 565 points, or 1.2%, from its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite was down 2.4%, as of 1:29 p.m. Eastern time.

Nvidia was the heaviest weight on the market after the chip company lost 4.7%. Other AI darlings also struggled, including drops of 7.6% for Super Micro Computer, 6.6% for Palantir Technologies and 4.7% for Broadcom.

Questions have been rising about how much more superstar AI stocks can add to already spectacular gains. At the start of this month, Palantir was sporting a stunning rise of nearly 174% for the year so far, for example.

Such sensational performances have been one of the top reasons the U.S. market has hit records despite a slowing job market and high inflation. AI stock prices have shot so high, though, that they’re also drawing comparisons to the 2000 dot-com bubble which ultimately burst and dragged the S&P 500 down by nearly half.

In the meantime, stocks fell across Wall Street as traders worry that the Federal Reserve may not deliver another cut to interest rates in December, as they had been assuming.

Wall Street loves cuts to rates because they can goose the economy and prices for investments, even though they can also worsen inflation. A halt in cuts could undercut U.S. stock prices after they already ran to records in part on expectations for a series of more reductions.

Expectations have sunk sharply in recent days that the Fed will cut its main interest rate at its next meeting in December. Traders now see less than a coin flip’s chance of it, 47.6%, down from nearly 70% a week ago, according to data from CME Group.

Recent comments from Fed officials have helped drive the doubt.

Susan Collins, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, said late Wednesday that it’s likely appropriate to leave interest rates steady “for some time.” That was a turnaround from her speech last month, when she supported another cut.

The Fed’s job became more difficult recently because of the U.S. government’s six-week shutdown, which delayed many important updates on the job market and other signals about the economy’s strength.

The stock market mostly rose through the shutdown, as it has often done historically, but Wall Street is bracing for potential swings as the government gets back to releasing those updates. The fear is that the data could persuade the Federal Reserve to halt its cuts to interest rates, which can boost the economy but also worsen inflation. Wall Street has

The “looming data deluge may spur additional volatility in the coming weeks,” according to Doug Beath, global equity strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

On Wall Street, The Walt Disney Co. helped lead the market lower after falling 7.8%. The entertainment giant reported profit for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations, but its revenue fell short.

That helped offset a jump of 4.9% for Cisco Systems after the tech giant delivered profit and revenue that were bigger than analysts estimated.

In the bond market, Treasury yields rose, which put downward pressure on prices for stocks and other investments.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.10% from 4.08% late Wednesday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes sagged in Europe following modest gains in Asia.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index rose 0.4%, even as Japanese tech giant SoftBank Group lost another 3.4%. It’s been struggling since it said earlier this week that it had sold all of its $5.8 billion stake in Nvidia.

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AP Writers Teresa Cerojano and Matt Ott contributed.



This story originally appeared on Fortune

Cooper Kupp admits feeling ‘mixed emotions’ ahead of Rams game

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Read and react. That isn’t just what Cooper Kupp does on the football field, adjusting his pass route to get open. It’s what he does in his free time, too, tearing through close to two dozen books during the NFL season.

The Seattle Seahawks receiver, once a star with the Rams, is an enthusiastic reader of both nonfiction and fiction, and buys extra copies of some of his favorites — “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “When Breath Becomes Air” — to hand out to friends.

Just as when he’s poring over the playbook, the bearded bookworm reads with pen in hand or ready to note something on his phone.

“If I haven’t underlined anything in the first day or two, it’s hard to keep going,” said Kupp, 32, currently reading “Heart and Steel” by former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher. “I mark pages, highlight, screenshot.

“If I’m not learning something, a book better transport me.”

Kupp was transported last offseason, and not by his choosing. The Rams released him to make room for receiver Davante Adams, parting ways with one of their most popular players, an architect of rebuilding a fan base in Los Angeles, and Most Valuable Player of their Super Bowl win in the 2021 season.

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Kupp and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford celebrate after winning Super Bowl LVI.

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iInglewood, CA - February 08: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates.

1. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the team’s Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 13, 2022. 2. Kupp and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford celebrate after winning Super Bowl LVI. 3. Kupp gets a hug from Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald after the team’s victory in Super Bowl LVI. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The reunion happens Sunday when the 7-2 Rams play host to the 7-2 Seahawks in an NFC West showdown, Kupp’s first return to SoFi Stadium after spending the first eight seasons of his pro career in Southern California.

“It’ll be mixed emotions,” Kupp told The Times after practice last week. “I have so much gratitude for the people there. But I’m going down there to play a game. I’ve spent countless hours preparing to beat that team.”

There was a time when Kupp was a focal point of the Rams offense, but he eventually receded a bit into the background as Puka Nacua began to ascend. By the end of his run there, Kupp was a seasoned elder statesman, still contributing but also helping younger players fine-tune their game.

He has continued that role with the Seahawks, a relatively young team. By all accounts, Kupp has played a critical role in the development of third-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the first player to reach 1,000 yards receiving this season.

Kupp is the team’s second-leading receiver, with 26 catches for 367 yards and a touchdown. He’s had ups and downs, missing a game because of injuries to his hamstring and heel, throwing an interception on a failed flea-flicker, and tearing off a 67-yard gain in a catch and carry in last Sunday’s 44-22 thrashing of the Cardinals.

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Sam Darnold talk before a game against the Houston Texans on Oct. 20.

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Sam Darnold talk before a game against the Houston Texans on Oct. 20.

(Steph Chambers / Getty Images)

“[Kupp] is unbelievable, not just as a player but as a person,” Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold said. “He’s one of the best dudes I’ve ever been around. He’s in the quarterback room all the time, and I’m learning so much from him. Honestly, I’m learning way more from him than he is from me.”

This hasn’t been an easy transition for Kupp, even though he returned to his home state. He was raised in Yakima, Wash., a two-hour drive from Seattle, and played collegiately at Eastern Washington. Anna and Cooper Kupp have three young sons.

“This is where I grew up, my wife’s home, but it’s not where our home was,” Kupp said. “We built something cool in L.A., raised our boys there. That was home. We’ll always want to be in L.A. in some capacity. We’re making home here now, but it’s seven months versus 8½ years there.

“Our boys grew up in California, barefoot outside at breakfast. It’ll be a new adventure to see how they adapt to fall and winter here.”

Kupp is enjoying taking more of a leadership role with the Seahawks.

“Here, there are younger guys getting significant reps,” he said. “I can be more of a voice, sharing processes, things that have helped me. The coaches have been great. My goal is to be a multiplier, to lift people up, to get us all on the same page at a high level.”

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp spends a moment with one of his sons before a game.

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp spends a moment with one of his sons before a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 7.

(Amanda Loman / Getty Images)

In his later seasons with the Rams, he let his beard go wild. It spilled over and well below his chinstrap. Now, he wears it neatly trimmed, but has embraced the Seattle look of untucked flannel shirts and jeans.

Is he happy?

“Happy?” he said, pondering the word. “I love the challenge. I’m excited to come to work. But I don’t live asking, ‘Am I happy?’ We think about ourselves too much. When you stop living for yourself and start pouring into others — family, teammates, friends — you find more fulfillment.

“I want people excited when I walk into a room because they know I’ll be there for them.”

That’s a philosophy Craig and Karin Kupp emphasized with their four children: you want to live in a room of windows not mirrors.

“In the mirror room, you’re looking inward, only seeing yourself,” said Ketner Kupp, Cooper’s younger brother and now defensive coordinator at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash.

“In the window room, you can’t really see yourself. You’re looking out, seeing others and being selfless. That’s how we try to live.”

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp warms up before a game against the Houston Texans on Oct. 20.

Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp warms up before a game against the Houston Texans on Oct. 20.

(Steph Chambers / Getty Images)

Not surprisingly, Kupp’s parents and siblings love having him nearby.

“It’s been super fun,” said Ketner, who drafted his brother in two different fantasy leagues. “I’ve never really rooted for one team before, even being from Washington, but this has been awesome. There’s so much energy around the Seahawks here, and it’s fun to be a part of that.”

His older brother, lover of books, has successfully turned the page.



This story originally appeared on LA Times

Best Luxury Hotels to Discover in Every City Guide

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Reading Time: 18 minutes

In a world where travel has become both a sought-after and essential experience, accommodation plays a vital role in creating unforgettable memories. Luxury hotels are havens of peace and sophistication, offering more than just a place to spend the night; they embody the very essence of a destination. Whether you’re looking for spectacular views over the Mediterranean, unrivalled personal service or total immersion in the local culture, every city guide is packed with prestigious establishments ready to welcome you. In this article, we present a careful selection of the best luxury hotels to discover in different cities around the world. From Paris to Tokyo, via New York and Marrakech, we’ll take you on a tour of these emblematic addresses that combine comfort, elegance and refinement. Prepare to be inspired by exceptional stays that will transform your travels into truly sensory experiences. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a business trip or a family holiday, these hotels will meet your most demanding expectations.

Introduction to Luxury Hotels

Why Choose a Luxury Hotel?

When embarking on a travel adventure, selecting the right accommodation is pivotal for an enriching experience. Luxury hotels offer an unparalleled blend of comfort, prestige, and service that cater to discerning travelers seeking more than just a place to stay. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a business meeting, or simply an escape from the mundane, a luxury hotel promises a unique experience. From exquisite design and world-class gastronomy to personalized service and awe-inspiring views, these establishments redefine hospitality.

Choosing a luxury hotel means indulging in the finer things in life. Guests can enjoy sophisticated rooms with plush furnishings, state-of-the-art amenities, and a balance of modernity and tradition that enhances the overall atmosphere. The presence of a luxurious spa, a five-star restaurant, and a chic bar often adds to the allure, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the finer details.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Hotels

When curating a guide to the best luxury hotels in each city, several criteria come into play to ensure an unforgettable stay. These factors help distinguish the most prestigious establishments from the rest, offering travelers an experience that aligns with their tastes and preferences.

  • Location: A prime location is essential, whether it’s a serene beachside retreat, a bustling city center, or a secluded countryside escape. Proximity to attractions, shopping, and cultural landmarks enhances the stay, providing ample opportunities for discovery and exploration.
  • Design and Ambience: The architecture and interior design of a hotel significantly contribute to its charm. A blend of authenticity and modern elegance, coupled with a unique ambience, can elevate a hotel from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Services and Amenities: Exceptional service is a hallmark of luxury hotels. From a dedicated concierge to personalized room service, attention to detail is paramount. Additional amenities like a spa, swimming pool, and leisure activities cater to diverse clientele, ensuring every need is met.
  • Gastronomy: A top-tier dining experience is often a highlight of a luxury stay. Gourmet restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, crafted by renowned chefs, are integral to a hotel’s prestige. A well-curated wine list and an ambient bar further enhance the gastronomic journey.
  • Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Objective opinions from previous guests provide valuable insights into the quality of service and overall experience. Positive reviews highlight strengths, while constructive feedback can guide improvements, ensuring a consistently high standard.

In summary, the best luxury hotels are those that seamlessly combine outstanding service, exquisite design, and prime locations to offer an experience that is both memorable and unique. Whether for leisure, business, or adventure, these establishments promise an unmissable opportunity to enjoy the pinnacle of hospitality. Plan your next stay with a comprehensive city guide that highlights these exceptional destinations, allowing you to make informed reservations and enjoy a truly unforgettable journey.

Luxury Hotels in Paris: A Guide to Exquisite Stays

Must-Sees in the French Capital

Paris, the City of Light, boasts a range of must-see attractions that complement the luxury hotels scattered throughout its charming streets. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the city offers an abundance of cultural and architectural wonders. Exploring the Louvre Museum, strolling down the Champs-Élysées, and savoring a café au lait in a Montmartre bistro are experiences not to be missed. These attractions are perfectly situated near some of Paris’s most prestigious luxury hotels, making them easily accessible for guests seeking both convenience and an unforgettable stay.

Unique Experiences in Paris

Paris is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering unique experiences that cater to all tastes. Guests at luxury hotels can enjoy exclusive wine tastings in the heart of historic vineyards or indulge in bespoke shopping tours along the Rue Saint-Honoré. For those seeking relaxation, a day at a Parisian spa is the ultimate escape. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture by attending a show at the opulent Palais Garnier or enjoying an intimate jazz performance in the Latin Quarter. Each experience is designed to provide an authentic taste of Parisian life, enhanced by the impeccable service and comfort of the city’s top hotels.

Exquisite Hotels with Unparalleled Comfort and Service

Paris is home to some of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels, known for their exceptional service, stunning architecture, and elegant design. These establishments offer a harmonious balance of comfort and prestige, making them ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

  • The Ritz Paris: Located in the heart of the city, this legendary hotel combines classic elegance with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine at its renowned restaurant, unwind in the opulent spa, or savor a cocktail at the iconic bar.
  • Le Meurice: Overlooking the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice is a haven of luxury and sophistication. Its rooms boast a blend of romantic and contemporary design, while the restaurant offers a gastronomic journey crafted by world-renowned chefs.
  • Shangri-La Hotel, Paris: Offering breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, this hotel is a masterpiece of architectural beauty and refined service. The establishment features a serene spa, elegant rooms, and an exquisite blend of French and Asian culinary delights.

Ideal Locations for Exploration and Discovery

The strategic locations of Paris’s luxury hotels allow guests to seamlessly explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. Situated near major attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, these hotels offer easy access to an array of activities and experiences. Whether you’re interested in a romantic getaway, a cultural adventure, or a shopping spree, Paris’s luxury hotels provide the perfect base for your exploration.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, these hotels offer a unique blend of authenticity, modernity, and tradition, ensuring every stay is a memorable experience. From the attentive concierge service to the meticulously maintained rooms, every detail is designed to exceed the expectations of the discerning clientele.

Luxury Hotels in New York

The Most Popular Districts

New York City, a bustling metropolis brimming with culture and tradition, is home to some of the world’s most exquisite luxury hotels. For those seeking a unique escape, the city offers a variety of districts, each with its own character and charm. The iconic Midtown Manhattan is a hub of activity, placing you near landmarks like Times Square and Central Park. In contrast, the artistic vibes of SoHo and Tribeca provide a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for a romantic getaway. The Financial District offers a mix of business and leisure, perfect for those looking to balance work and exploration during their stay.

Services and Amenities

Luxury hotels in New York are renowned for their exceptional services and amenities, designed to provide a memorable travel experience. Guests can indulge in world-class gastronomy at on-site restaurants that offer a fusion of local and international cuisines. The concierge services are second to none, assisting with everything from reservations to curated city guides for unmissable adventures.

For those seeking relaxation, many establishments feature opulent spas where you can enjoy rejuvenating treatments, while state-of-the-art fitness centers cater to health enthusiasts. Rooms are meticulously maintained, offering a harmonious blend of modernity and authenticity, with breathtaking views of the cityscape. The ambience in these hotels exudes prestige and comfort, making every moment of your stay unforgettable.

Architectural Design and Atmosphere

The architectural design of New York’s luxury hotels is as diverse as the city itself. From the classic elegance of Beaux-Arts structures to sleek, modern skyscrapers, each hotel offers a distinct atmosphere. Interiors are thoughtfully designed to reflect a balance between tradition and contemporary aesthetics, ensuring a sophisticated yet welcoming environment. The ambience is carefully curated to cater to a diverse clientele, whether you are on a business meeting or a leisurely exploration.

Location and Activities

The strategic location of these hotels allows guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and activities that New York City has to offer. Staying at a luxury hotel in the city center means you’re never far from world-class shopping, renowned museums, and iconic attractions. Many hotels offer guided tours or advice on local exploration, encouraging guests to discover the city’s hidden gems and cultural experiences.

  • Explore the art galleries of Chelsea and the historic sights of the Upper East Side.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Central Park or take in a Broadway show in the Theatre District.
  • Experience culinary delights at the city’s finest restaurants, recommended by your hotel’s concierge.

Promotions and Packages

For travelers mindful of their budget, many luxury hotels in New York offer enticing promotions and packages. These may include complimentary breakfasts, spa credits, or special rates for extended stays. By taking advantage of these offers, guests can enjoy the ultimate luxury experience at a more accessible price point. It’s recommended to check for seasonal promotions or exclusive deals through the hotel’s website or trusted travel platforms to ensure the best value for your reservation.

Luxury Hotels in Tokyo: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Tokyo, a city that harmoniously blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity, offers a plethora of luxury hotels that promise an unforgettable travel experience. Each establishment in this vibrant metropolis is a testament to the city’s commitment to excellence in hospitality, providing guests with an ideal balance of comfort, prestige, and authentic cultural experiences.

Exquisite Design and Ambience

Tokyo’s luxury hotels are renowned for their distinctive architecture and interior design, seamlessly merging traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary elegance. From the minimalist yet sophisticated rooms to the breathtaking lobbies, these hotels offer an atmosphere that is both romantic and inspiring. The meticulous attention to detail in design ensures that every moment spent within these establishments is a feast for the senses.

  • The Aman Tokyo: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel boasts stunning views of the Imperial Palace and Mount Fuji. Its design embodies a modern take on traditional Japanese ryokan, featuring spacious rooms and serene spa facilities.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo: Perched on the top floors of a city centre skyscraper, this hotel offers panoramic vistas of the bustling metropolis. The design is a perfect blend of Western and Japanese influences, creating an ambience of understated luxury.

Exceptional Services and Facilities

Luxury hotels in Tokyo are celebrated for their impeccable service and world-class facilities. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including state-of-the-art spas, fine dining restaurants, and exclusive bars. The concierge services are exemplary, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for every guest.

  • Park Hyatt Tokyo: Known for its exceptional service, this hotel offers an array of facilities, including a top-tier spa and wellness center, multiple dining options, and a sophisticated bar offering stunning views.
  • Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo: This hotel provides a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional service, featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and a luxurious spa that promises relaxation and rejuvenation.

Activities and Cultural Experiences Near the Hotels

Staying at a luxury hotel in Tokyo not only guarantees an opulent stay, but also places guests in proximity to a wealth of cultural and leisure activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a tranquil escape, the city offers a myriad of experiences to explore and enjoy.

  • Shopping and Dining: Guests can indulge in high-end shopping in the nearby districts of Ginza and Shibuya or savor exquisite Japanese gastronomy in local restaurants.
  • Cultural Exploration: Discover Tokyo’s rich history and culture by visiting the historic Senso-ji Temple or exploring the art exhibits at the renowned Tokyo National Museum.
  • Leisure and Relaxation: Unwind with a stroll through the tranquil gardens of the Shinjuku Gyoen or enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Sumida River.

For those seeking a blend of luxury and cultural discovery, Tokyo’s hotels provide an unparalleled setting for an unforgettable stay, catering to both business and leisure travelers alike. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a business meeting, these establishments offer an ideal combination of modernity, tradition, and unrivaled hospitality.

Luxury Hotels in Dubai

Exceptional Architecture and Design

Dubai is renowned for its skyline punctuated with architectural marvels, and its luxury hotels are no exception. From soaring towers to opulent resorts, each establishment offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making your stay a memorable experience. The Burj Al Arab, often described as the epitome of luxury, is a beacon of contemporary design. Its sail-like structure is not only an icon of the city but also a testament to innovative architecture. Inside, guests are treated to a world of comfort and prestige, with interiors that balance opulence and elegance.

The Atlantis, The Palm, is another architectural wonder. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, its design is inspired by the lost city of Atlantis, offering a unique ambience that transports guests to a world of fantasy. The hotel’s underwater suites provide a romantic escape with breathtaking views of marine life, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions and Leisure Activities

Staying in Dubai’s luxury hotels means more than just enjoying the lavish interiors; it’s also about discovering the vibrant culture and attractions surrounding these establishments. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is a short distance from many downtown hotels. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck, offering a unique perspective of this dynamic city.

For those looking to explore the local culture, the historic Al Fahidi District and the bustling Gold Souk provide an authentic glimpse into Dubai’s rich heritage. Guests can enjoy a guided exploration of these unmissable sites, gaining insights into the city’s storied past.

Unparalleled Services and Amenities

Dubai’s luxury hotels are famed for their exceptional service, ensuring every guest enjoys a personalized experience. The attentive concierge teams are available around the clock to assist with reservations, from booking a table at Michelin-starred restaurants to arranging bespoke tours. Many hotels boast world-class spas, where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments that balance body and mind.

Dining is an adventure of its own, with a plethora of gastronomic options available. Whether seeking a romantic dinner under the stars or a vibrant bar scene with handcrafted cocktails, the city’s luxury hotels cater to every palate. The range of restaurants and bars available ensures a diverse culinary journey during your stay.

Activities and Leisure Opportunities

For leisure and adventure enthusiasts, Dubai offers an array of activities just steps from your hotel. The pristine beaches provide an idyllic setting for relaxation or water sports, while the vast desert landscapes invite exploration and adventure. Guests can enjoy everything from camel rides to dune bashing, offering a thrilling escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The city’s shopping scene is unparalleled, with the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates offering a luxurious shopping experience. From high-end fashion boutiques to traditional markets, guests can indulge in a shopping spree that caters to every taste and budget.

Whether you’re in Dubai for a business meeting or a romantic getaway, the city’s luxury hotels offer a perfect blend of comfort, authenticity, and modernity. With their exceptional services and proximity to unmissable attractions, these establishments promise an unforgettable stay.

Les meilleurs hôtels de luxe à découvrir dans chaque city guide

Dans un monde où le voyage est devenu une expérience aussi recherchée qu’indispensable, l’hébergement joue un rôle primordial dans la création de souvenirs inoubliables. Les hôtels de luxe, véritables havres de paix et de sophistication, offrent bien plus qu’un simple endroit où passer la nuit; ils incarnent l’essence même d’une destination. Que vous soyez en quête d’une vue spectaculaire sur la mer Méditerranée, d’un service personnalisé hors pair ou d’une immersion totale dans la culture locale, chaque city guide regorge d’établissements prestigieux prêts à vous accueillir. Dans cet article, nous vous proposons une sélection minutieuse des meilleurs hôtels de luxe à découvrir dans différentes villes du monde. De Paris à Tokyo, en passant par New York et Marrakech, nous vous emmènerons à la rencontre de ces adresses emblématiques qui allient confort, élégance et raffinement. Préparez-vous à être inspiré par des séjours d’exception qui transformeront vos voyages en véritables expériences sensorielles. Que ce soit pour un escapade romantique, un voyage d’affaires ou des vacances en famille, ces hôtels sauront répondre à vos attentes les plus exigeantes.

Introduction aux hôtels de luxe

Pourquoi choisir un hôtel de luxe ?

Opter pour un hôtel de luxe lors de vos voyages, c’est s’assurer d’un séjour où le confort, le prestige et l’expérience sont au rendez-vous. Ces établissements se distinguent par leur service irréprochable, leur gastronomie exceptionnelle et leur design unique. Chaque hôtel offre une ambiance particulière et une attention aux détails qui garantit une expérience mémorable.

Critères de sélection des meilleurs hôtels

Pour sélectionner les meilleurs hôtels de luxe, plusieurs critères sont pris en compte. L’emplacement est crucial, permettant un accès facile aux attractions locales. Les services, tels que le spa et la gastronomie, ainsi que l’atmosphère générale de l’établissement, sont également essentiels. Enfin, les avis des clients vous donnent un aperçu de l’expérience globale.

Les hôtels de luxe à Paris

Les incontournables de la capitale française

Paris, ville de l’amour et du glamour, abrite certains des hôtels les plus emblématiques au monde. Des établissements comme Le Meurice reflètent le raffinement parisien avec leur architecture classique et leur cuisine étoilée.

Expériences uniques à Paris

En séjournant dans l’un de ces hôtels, profitez d’une immersion totale dans la culture parisienne, avec des services tels que des visites privées de musées ou des dîners dans des restaurants étoilés.

Conclusion

Choisir le bon hôtel pour votre voyage est essentiel pour garantir une expérience enrichissante et mémorable. Les hôtels de luxe que nous avons sélectionnés dans ce guide incarnent l’excellence en matière de service, de design et d’expérience client. Que vous soyez à la recherche d’une escapade romantique, d’un séjour d’affaires ou d’une aventure culturelle, ces établissements sauront répondre à vos attentes. En gardant à l’esprit les critères de sélection tels que l’emplacement, les services offerts et les avis des clients, vous pourrez faire un choix éclairé qui transformera votre voyage en une véritable évasion sensorielle. N’oubliez pas que l’expérience client est au cœur du luxe, et ces hôtels veilleront à ce que chaque moment passé chez eux soit inoubliable.

Q: What are the criteria for choosing a luxury hotel?
R: There are several essential criteria when choosing a luxury hotel. Location is fundamental, as it determines access to local attractions. The services offered, such as the spa, gastronomy and room service, also play a crucial role. The atmosphere and design of the hotel, the quality of the staff and customer reviews on specialist platforms must also be taken into account to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Q: Which are the most emblematic luxury hotels in each city?
A: Every city has its own iconic luxury hotels. For example, in Paris, Le Meurice embodies refinement with its classic architecture and Michelin-starred cuisine. In New York, The St. Regis celebrates timeless luxury and hospitality. In Tokyo, The Peninsula offers a unique fusion of modernity and Japanese tradition. These establishments are distinguished by their history, their design and the unique experiences they offer travellers in search of elegance.

Q: What is the average budget for a stay in a luxury hotel?
A: The budget for a stay in a luxury hotel can vary considerably depending on the destination and the season. In general, you should allow between €300 and €1,500 per night for top-of-the-range establishments. Cities such as Dubai or Monaco can exceed these amounts, while other destinations offer more affordable options. It is important to consider the services included, such as breakfast or access to the spa, which can influence the final price.

Q: How can I book a luxury hotel at the best price?
A: To book a luxury hotel at the best price, it is advisable to compare rates on different online platforms. Sign up for hotel newsletters to benefit from exclusive offers. Booking in advance or taking advantage of last-minute promotions can also generate savings. Using cashback sites or loyalty programmes can offer additional discounts. Finally, travelling out of season often means you can take advantage of a cheaper rate.

Q: What activities can I do near luxury hotels?
R: Staying in a luxury hotel opens the door to many enriching activities. In town, explore the museums, art galleries and historical attractions nearby. For food lovers, many Michelin-starred restaurants and fine cocktail bars are often within walking distance. Tailor-made excursions, private tours or exclusive events can also be organised by the hotel. Don’t forget to explore the local markets for an authentic cultural experience.



This story originally appeared on Luxuryactivist

Up 33% in a year! This fast‑recovering FTSE dividend share might not be a bargain forever

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Image source: Getty Images

I love it when a plan comes together, and that’s now happening with a FTSE 100 dividend share I bought in March 2024. The stock in question is pharmaceutical giant GSK (LSE: GSK), which looked good value when I bought it, with a price‑to‑earnings (P/E) ratio of around 8. That was beaten down by years of underwhelming performance.

The GSK share price continued to slide after I bought it. The first reason was the US class action over its heartburn drug Zantac. No sooner was that settled with a $2.2bn payoff than US tariffs on pharmaceuticals threatened. I soon found myself down around 15%, which wasn’t part of the plan, being honest, but I stayed calm and things are now looking up.

GSK shares up 12 % in the last month, lifting the 12‑month gain to about 33%. I’m only up around 10% personally but these are early days, because this was a stock I plan to hold years, and ideally decades.

Long-term FTSE 100 play

I last covered GSK for The Motley Fool on 28 October when I noted the share price recovery was under way but the shares still looked good value with a P/E of 10.6. The P/E ratio had edged up to 11.45, but that’s still comfortably below the FTSE 100 average of around 18.

On 29 October GSK published its Q3 results and they were strong. Core operating profit rose 11% to £2.99bn while core earnings per share jumped 14% to 55p.

The board declared a third‑quarter dividend of 16p a share and confirmed £2bn of share buybacks by mid‑2026, with £1.1bn already done. The full‑year guidance was raised too.

GSK’s pipeline finally appears to be delivering, speciality medicines are driving growth and free cash flow is strong. The recovery feels credible.

Broker forecasts so-so

Yet there are risks. The tariff threats hasn’t fully lifted and while the pipeline is looking better, potential blockbuster drugs are never guaranteed. A weak trial, regulatory setback or litigation surprise could knock confidence.

Broker forecasts produce a 12-month consensus price target around 1,773p. Sadly, that’s actually below today’s price around 1,806p. If those predictions are correct, the next year won’t be as good as the last. Analyst ratings are mixed too: only nine of 23 rate GSK stock a Buy while four say Sell.

Yet I believe this is still a bargain, for investors who have a long‑term view. Nobody can say where any share price will go in the short term, but over the years, I’d expect GSK to deliver a steady combination of growth and income. The trailing yield is a modest 3.35%, but should grow steadily. The shares are forecast to hit 3.57% in 2025, and 3.83% in 2026.

GSK looks worth considering for investors looking to create a balanced portfolio, including exposure to the pharmaceutical sector, traditionally seen as a defensive corner of the market. Today looks like a good entry point, given the low P/E, but investors should only buy with the long term in mind. That should always be a key part of the plan when buying FTSE 100 shares.



This story originally appeared on Motley Fool

Nicola Roberts Stuns At Wicked Movie Premiere In Glamorous Pink Sapphire Look

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Instagram/@lilcola

Nicola Roberts wowed the crowd at the London premiere of ‘Wicked,’ where she looked absolutely stunning in a custom-made Giorgio Armani suit along with diamond and pink sapphire earrings that were inspired by Glinda The Good Witch. The ex-Girls Aloud singer couldn’t have been happier about the occasion which she had been looking forward to since the beginning of the year. Her glamorous look and powerful message that she was ‘changed for good’ brought a lot of her fans’ excitement.

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Dressed in white, Nicola Roberts, the ex-Girls Aloud singer, made the first dramatic entrance, and her followers were already very happy. The artist beautifully dressed and wearing wonderful Garrard White Glinda diamonds with pink and white sapphires on display, Roberts took the Universal Pictures UK and Concord Media London event and called it a ‘gorgeous time’ once more. She gave credit for the diamonds and sapphires that were shown artistically to the chosen custom of Giorgio Armani and the amazing Garrard’s pink Glinda diamonds, of course.

Nicola’s Instagram read, ‘I’ve been changed for good’ and featured professional photography Source: Getty Images showing Roberts in a classic black outfit complemented with a high ponytail that superbly accentuated her features. The team involved in completing the look consisted of stylist Kyle Devolle, hairdresser Lisa Laudat, and makeup artist Gabriella Floyd.

The section for comments was soon full of compliments about her look. One fan said, ‘Absolutely gorgeous!!! ✨ Can’t wait to see it!!!’ Another one, who focused on the earrings, wrote, ‘you look stunning! obsessed with your earrings 💫.’ The hairstyle also got a lot of attention, and one person said it was ‘our favourite hairstyle on you’ and that it made her eyes brighter.

Despite the fact that she got so much praise for her fashion, her followers never gave up on asking her to sing songs from ‘Wicked’ and they repeated their needs. One of the many supporting messages said, ‘We need to hear you singing at least one track from this movie, I just know you’ll sound insane 👀😍🙏🏻.’ This was confirmed by another user who had a duet wish, ‘I’d absolutely love to hear you sing a song from this movie maybe with Kimberley now that would be awesome you’d both be amazing.’

The followers’ connection to the movie was almost tangible. One user even said, “Fabulous – I’ve watched the first one 4 times at the cinema. We’re scheduled for a 5-hour cinema marathon soon to see the first one again followed by the second. I’ll be changed for good too.” This candid statement reflects the high expectations that the second part of the musical film adaptation is to come with.

Roberts’ makeup, which is always a topic of discussion, was the reason for one follower’s outright request: ‘Please write a book of makeup tips.’ The comment reveals the influence she has in the beauty spectrum, which has been the case ever since she released her own makeup line named Dainty Doll.

Roberts had followers from all over the world, one of whom was from Chile who wrote in both Spanish and English, calling her ‘perfection’ and listing her ‘beauty, glamour, beautiful voice, talent.’ The other user simply but accurately stated, ’40 has never looked better 😍✨,’ referring to the singer’s recent birthday and her radiant appearance.

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Nicola Roberts’ presence at the ‘Wicked’ premiere was a moment to remember not only on the red carpet; it was a very fashionable, as well as musical event, and sharing the anticipation for a big movie that was going to be released soon. Her post was like a magnet where her fans came to showcase their praise for her old-world charm and at the same time, be directed to the movie. The enormous quantity of reactions is an indication of the fact that she still has the power to enchant an audience. It is her excellent premiere look and the intense reactions it drew that are the reason for her being a fashion and music icon that never goes out of style, after all. The premiere also featured other notable performers, and Roberts has recently opened up about embracing natural beauty. She also shared some gorgeous behind-the-scenes moments from a recent gala performance.



This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider

First look: Inside California’s new $600-million casino that’s bigger than Caesars Palace

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Next time you’re driving the Grapevine and nearing the forest of oil rigs on the outskirts of Bakersfield, look for a six-story guitar.

That would be the Hard Rock Casino Tejon, whose opening on Thursday brings industrial-strength Indian gaming — and some Hollywood pizzazz — to a territory better known for cowboy hats, farmland and petroleum extraction.

The Tejon casino stands in the rural community of Mettler, near the convergence of Interstate 5 and State Route 99 — “a stone’s throw away” from Los Angeles, suggested Hard Rock Casino Tejon President Chris Kelley.

In effect, the casino is a $600-million bet by leaders of Hard Rock International and the Tejon Indian Tribe that they can grab a central role among the many Indian casinos in Southern California.

The property is the first full-scale gaming and entertainment destination in Kern County.

(Makenzie Beeney Photography for Hard Rock International)

A wind sculpture at the entrance of the casino.

A wind sculpture at the entrance of the casino.

(Cristian Costea for Hard Rock International)

The draw? Most notably, 150,000 square feet of gaming space — including 58 table games and more than 2,000 slot machines — putting it among the largest casinos in Southern California, on par with many along the Strip in Las Vegas.

And, of course, because this is a Hard Rock venture, there are pop music artifacts on display. Among them: the blue hooded velvet mini dress Sabrina Carpenter wore in her “Please Please Please” music video, signed guitars from Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt, Beck’s tambourine and Natalie Cole’s orange high heels.

The casino also includes four restaurants serving Asian street food, tacos, pizza and American comfort food (especially Nashville hot chicken) — and a bonus feature. At select hours, Kelley said, staff will put up a divider to create Deep Cut, a fancier “speakeasy restaurant” that will emphasize steak and seafood.

“This is something no other Hard Rock Cafe has … a restaurant within a restaurant,” said Kelley, leading a tour in the days before opening.

Live-action table games include blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat.

Live-action table games include blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat.

(Makenzie Beeney Photography for Hard Rock International)

Plans for the second phase of the project will include a 400-room hotel and spa on-site, along with a 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live venue designed to host concerts, sporting events and ultimately make Kern County a premier destination for travelers and fans. Officials declined to share a timeline for this next installment.

Though its global empire began with a London cafe in 1971, Hard Rock International has been owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida since 2007. The company’s native ownership was “a major influence” on the Tejon tribe’s decision to team up, said Tejon Tribal Chairman Octavio Escobedo III. Hard Rock Casino Tejon is owned by the Tejon Indian Tribe and is managed by Hard Rock International.

For the Tejon tribe and its 1,523 enrolled members, the casino amounts to a new chapter in a saga full of challenges. In the 1850s, the Tejon were included in the creation of California’s first Indian reservation — which was then closed by federal officials in the 1860s. More than a century later, in 1979, the tribe was omitted from a U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs list of formally recognized tribes — an apparent mistake that took decades to correct.

When the Tejon did win federal recognition in late 2011, gaming plans materialized quickly. By late 2016, the tribe had set in motion the acquisition of the casino site.

The restaurant Deep Cut is billed as an "elevated steakhouse experience."

The restaurant Deep Cut is billed as an “elevated steakhouse experience.”

(Makenzie Beeney Photography for Hard Rock International)

For the tribe, Escobedo said, the long-term picture likely includes developing a residential community — which the Tejon haven’t had for more than a century — as the tribe aims for “financial sovereignty.” Though he declined to specify the amount of money that would require, he did say “it’s going to take a tremendous amount of financial discipline to achieve that.”

So far, things feel promising. Escobedo said 52 tribal members have signed on to work at casino jobs and “I’d love to see that number double over the next year or so.”

Long before the Seminoles bought control of Hard Rock International, the tribe pioneered Indian gaming in the U.S., beginning with a bingo hall in Hollywood, Fla., in 1979. Through further investment and legal victories rooted in tribal sovereignty, tribes in 29 states across the U.S. have built hundreds of gaming operations, which together gross more than $40 billion yearly.

Beyond its possibilities for the Tejon tribe, the arrival of the casino means about 1,100 new jobs for greater Bakersfield, which lost a beloved entertainment venue in August when Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace closed after 29 years.

Owens, who died in 2006, was a longtime resident of Bakersfield and proponent of the gritty “Bakersfield sound” in country music. Besides artifacts from pop music, rock ’n’ roll and Tejon cultural history, Kelley said, “We are going to have some Buck Owens memorabilia. It just wouldn’t be right not to.”



This story originally appeared on LA Times

Crack Cookies

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Skip the candy making! These Crack Cookies give you all the buttery, chocolatey, toffee filled flavor of Christmas crack in one easy cookie recipe. Gooey, salty, and completely irresistible.

Close up shot of Christmas crack cookies stacked on a cooling rack.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed With These Cookies

  • No separate candy making step. You get all the buttery, toffee like flavor of Christmas crack, without having to make the crack first.
  • Perfectly balanced flavor. Browned butter, toffee, and chocolate create deep, nutty sweetness that’s cut with flaky salt and crisp crackers.
  • Texture perfection. Every bite hits gooey, chewy, and crunchy all at once, for the ultimate Christmas crack cookie texture.

Christmas Crack Cookies Ingredients

Overhead shot of labeled Christmas crack cookies ingredients.
  • Saltines & Swaps: Leave saltines in medium chunks for texture, or use pretzels, graham crackers, Golden Grahams, cornflakes, Biscoff, or small oyster crackers.
  • Butter: Browning butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that deepens the toffee flavor. I think it’s worth the extra step.
  • Toffee: Use toffee bits, chopped bars, or crushed Werther’s Originals. Larger chunks add crunch. You can even use homemade toffee!
  • Chocolate: Semi-sweet works best, but any type is fine. Use quality chocolate (Guittard or chopped bars) for better melting and flavor.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Don’t skip this! The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the crackers’ saltiness. Keep some flakes whole for texture.

How to Make Christmas Crack Cookies

This crack cookie recipe is so easy! You don’t have to make Christmas crack first. I wanted to give all of the flavors without the extra work.

Brown Butter & Combine

  1. Brown Butter: Preheat the oven to 350°F, then line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Cut the butter into pieces, then cook in a medium saucepan over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Whisk often, until foamy, nutty, and golden brown. Remove from heat, then transfer to a heat safe dish to cool to room temperature.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to a medium bowl and whisk to combine, then set aside.
  3. Combine Sugar & Butter: Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the cooled browned butter to a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until combined.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and sour cream to the sugar mixture and mix until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Combine, Chill, Bake

  1. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and mix until all the flour has been incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  2. Chill Dough: Stir in the chocolate chips, toffee bits, and the crushed saltine crackers. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, then chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  3. Bake: Once chilled, use a medium cookie scoop to scoop 1 ½ tablespoon sized cookie dough balls onto the baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers still look slightly underbaked. Immediately upon removing the Christmas crack cookies from the oven, sprinkle each with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Then let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Alyssa’s Pro Tip

“Instagram-Worthy” Cookies: Gently press a few extra bits of toffee, chocolate, and cracker pieces into the tops right after baking. Move fast, hot toffee sets quickly.

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Christmas Crack Cookies

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Chewy, buttery Christmas Crack Cookies packed with toffee, chocolate, and flaky sea salt. The perfect mix of sweet, salty, and totally irresistible.
Course cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword banana cookies recipe, christmas cookies, christmas crack cookies, christmas crack cookies recipe, Cookies recipe, crack cookies, crack cookies recipe, toffee chocolate saltine cookies, toffee cookies
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 28 cookies
Calories 213kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
  • ¾ cup toffee bits or crushed toffee candies
  • ½ cup lightly crushed saltine crackers
  • flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Cut 1 cup unsalted butter into pieces, add it to a small saucepan, and heat over medium heat. Cook for about 8 minutes, whisking frequently as the butter browns. It will get quite foamy and bubble up a bit before it starts to smell very nutty and turn golden brown in color.. Remove from the heat and transfer to a small heat-safe dish to cool to room temperature.
  • Add 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt to a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • Add 1 cup packed light brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, and the cooled browned butter to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until combined.
  • Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon sour cream to the sugar mixture and mix until combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  • Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and mix just until all the flour has been incorporated, again scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  • Stir in the ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, ¾ cup toffee bits, and ½ cup lightly crushed saltine crackers. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Once chilled, use a medium cookie scoop to scoop 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers still look slightly underbaked. Immediately upon coming out of the oven, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea saltflaky sea salt before letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Notes

Storage & Freezing Instructions

  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: Let cookies cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop dough into individual portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To Bake from Frozen: Bake dough straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Overhead shot of Christmas crack cookies on a cooling rack.



This story originally appeared on TheRecipeCritic

Sixth suspect arrested in Germany over alleged Hamas plot to attack Jewish targets | World News

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A sixth suspected member of Hamas has been arrested in Germany accused of being part of a plot to attack Jewish targets.

Lebanese-born Mahmoud Z was detained on a train in northern Germany on Thursday morning after crossing the border from Denmark.

Police alleged that he took possession of an automatic rifle, eight pistols and 600 pieces of ammunition in August.

A statement by the federal prosecutor said he was given the weapons in the central German city of Hesse by another member of the group named Borhan El-K.

El-K was arrested on Tuesday night near the Czech border.

It’s alleged that following the exchange, Mahmoud Z then brought the guns to Berlin and handed them to another alleged Hamas member called Wael FM.

Wael FM was arrested with the items on 1 October, along with two other men named Adeb Al G and Ahmad I.

The men, whose full names have not been released due to German privacy laws, were charged with preparing a serious act of violence endangering the German state and being members of a foreign terrorist organisation.

Authorities believe that the group had been gathering supplies since the summer.

“The weapons were intended for use by Hamas in assassination attacks on Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany,” the federal prosecutor’s office said in a statement at the time.

The arrests came a day before Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

Hamas – which is considered a terrorist organisation by the EU – previously denied any connection to the men and said the allegations against it were “baseless”.

Read more from Sky News:
Doctor says sorry at his murder trial
Protests over Madeleine McCann suspect
Meeting to discuss next part of Gaza ceasefire

Another alleged member of the plot, Mohammed A, was arrested on 3 November in London on the request of German police.

He’s accused of taking five handguns and ammunition from Abed Al G and transporting them to Vienna, where they were stored.

Following Thursday’s arrest, Mahmoud Z is due to appear before a judge on Friday.

In February, four suspected Hamas members went on trial in Berlin, accused of plotting attacks on Jewish sites in Europe



This story originally appeared on Skynews

What it means for SNAP, backpay and more : NPR

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A flight takes off from Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Tuesday, with the U.S. Capitol in view. The federal government reopened Wednesday, but some of the impacts will be felt longer.

Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images


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Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is officially over after President Trump signed a bill passed by Congress on Wednesday night.

The federal government is reopening. But after 43 days on pause, things may not return to business as usual right away. For instance, federal workers are still awaiting backpay and air travel disruptions are expected to linger.

And some impacts could continue much longer than six weeks, whether that’s national parks trying to make up for lost visitor revenue or taxpayers waiting longer for refunds from a backlogged Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

There’s also the looming threat of another potential shutdown in the not-too-distant future, since this bill only funds the government through Jan. 30.

Here’s a look at where things stand for now.

Keep scrolling for updates, and jump by category here:

Federal workers | SNAP| Smithsonian | Air travel | National parks

Federal employees return to work, awaiting back pay 

Roughly 1.4 million federal workers have gone without pay for six weeks. Roughly half of them were required to keep working without paychecks, while hundreds of thousands of others were furloughed.

Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, told agency heads to direct furloughed employees to return to work Thursday.

“Agencies should take all necessary steps to ensure that offices reopen in a prompt and orderly manner” on Thursday, Vought wrote in a Wednesday memo.

The timing of backpay is a different question.

After the government shutdown ending in January 2019 — then the longest in history — Congress passed a law ensuring back pay for federal workers “at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends, regardless of scheduled pay dates.”

But Trump appeared to suggest otherwise in public comments last month, leaving many feds worried.

The bill that Congress passed to end the shutdown guarantees back pay. It also reverses several agencies’ attempted staffing reductions during the shutdown, which were paused by a federal judge, and prevents additional layoffs of federal employees through January.

Shaun Southworth, a federal employment attorney, said in an Instagram video that the timing of backpay will vary by agency based on their payroll providers, but most employees should start seeing deposits within days.

“Many employees historically saw deposits within the first business days after reopening,” he says of the last shutdown. “A minority may roll to the next cycle if the system needs extra processing.”

SNAP is back 

Daytona Beach residents wait in their cars during a free food distribution for SNAP recipients organized by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and The Jewish Federation at the Daytona International Speedway last week.

Daytona Beach residents wait in their cars during a free food distribution for SNAP recipients organized by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and The Jewish Federation at the Daytona International Speedway last week.

Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images


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Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images

The bill Congress passed to reopen the government funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 2026.

The program, which some 42 million Americans rely on for food assistance, has been the subject of much uncertainty — and an escalating legal battle — in recent weeks. The Trump administration said last month that it would suspend SNAP funding in November due to the shutdown, prompting a wide outcry and a series of legal challenges.

While the administration initially said it would comply with two rulings requiring it to provide at least partial funding for SNAP in November, it balked — and ultimately appealed to the Supreme Court — after one of those judges said it must fund the program fully for the month. The Supreme Court paused that order (and extended that pause again on Tuesday, with the end of the shutdown in sight).

At this point, beneficiaries in some states have gotten their full monthly allocations, while others have gotten partial payments or nothing at all. Reopening the government means restarting SNAP, but it’s not clear how quickly full payments will resume, since that varies by state. And, as NPR has reported, many who rely on the program are worried that benefits could be cut again.

Smithsonian institutions will reopen on a rolling basis

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, closed during the government shutdown, is expected to reopen Friday.

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, closed during the government shutdown, is expected to reopen Friday.

Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Smithsonian, which encompasses 21 museums and the National Zoo, says its reopening will be gradual.

Its website says the National Museum of American History, as well as the National Air and Space Museum and its Virginia annex, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, will open their doors on Friday.

All other museums and the zoo — including its beloved live animal cams — will reopen to the public “on a rolling basis” by Monday.

Air travel won’t bounce back overnight

A passenger waits for his flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, as flight reductions began at major U.S. airports.

A passenger waits for his flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, as flight reductions began at major U.S. airports.

Sarah Reingewirtz/Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG


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Sarah Reingewirtz/Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG

The shutdown snarled air travel in a tangle that experts say is beyond a quick fix.

Escalating shortages of air traffic controllers — who have been required to work without pay — caused delays and disruptions at airports nationwide since early October. Then, last week, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to reduce air traffic at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, starting by 4% and ramping up to 10% by this Friday.

The FAA announced Wednesday that it would freeze flight reductions at the current 6% level, citing a rapid improvement in controller staffing. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said air traffic controllers will get a lump sum payment equal to 70% of their back pay within 48 hours of the shutdown ending.

The agency says it will continue to assess “whether the system can gradually return to normal operations.”

Airlines and aviation regulators have warned that flight disruptions are likely to continue once the government reopens. Airlines had to adjust their schedules to reduce flights, and those changes can take time to reverse.

“It’s going to take a bit to unwind, and the responsibility is not going to fall completely on the air traffic control operation,” former FAA administrator Randy Babbitt told NPR’s All Things Considered on Tuesday. “A good deal of responsibility will be the carriers getting their schedules and the aircraft and personnel back in the right positions to resume normal flying.”

Air travel experts have told NPR that even after the shutdown, lingering impacts could potentially complicate Thanksgiving travel — which is always a hectic time to fly.

National Parks start to “pick up the pieces”    

A sign posted by the National Park Service warns of closures at the Benjamin Rush Gardens in Philadelphia during the shutdown earlier this month.

A sign posted by the National Park Service warns of closures at the Benjamin Rush Gardens in Philadelphia during the government shutdown earlier this month.

Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images


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Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images

Most national parks stayed at least partially open during the shutdown, but with significantly reduced staffing (since thousands of National Park Service employees were furloughed) and limited services like visitor centers and trash pickup.

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a nonprofit that advocates for national parks, said in a statement that it could take months for returning staff to address the damage.

“For 43 days, many national parks were left open, vulnerable and unprotected,” said Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs at NPCA. “The National Park Service, already pushed to its breaking point after losing 25% of permanent staff, is left to pick up the pieces.”

National parks were already feeling the strain before the shutdown, forced by federal funding cuts to cancel ranger programs, close visitors centers and pause maintenance and research.

During the shutdown, parks were unable to collect millions of dollars in entrance and recreational fees, which Brengel says could delay construction projects and other visitor services. And nonprofits who diverted resources to help parks stay operational have depleted their budgets in the process, Brengel says, leaving them “unsure if they will ever fully recover those funds.”

Congress’ bill funds the National Park Service through January. But Brengel calls it “only a short-term reprieve,” warning that another government shutdown could dampen the busy season by affecting the hiring of seasonal rangers for next spring and summer.

This is a live story that will be updated throughout the day as we learn more.




This story originally appeared on NPR