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NEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global metallurgical coal market size is estimated to grow by USD 95.27 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.77% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for steel is driving market growth, with a trend towards increase in number of smart city projects. However, volatility in prices of metallurgical coal poses a challenge. Key market players include Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc., Anglo American plc, Arch Resources Inc., ARLP, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd., BHP Group plc, China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Coal India Ltd., CONSOL Energy Inc., Coronado Resources Inc., EVRAZ Plc, Glencore Plc, Harman Fuels LLC, Peabody Energy Corp., Prairie State Energy Campus, Shanxi Coking Coal Xishan Coal and Electricity Co Ltd., Teck Resources Ltd., Warrior Met Coal Inc., and Whitehaven Coal Ltd.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The global smart city market is experiencing significant growth, with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 22% according to Technavio analysis. Smart cities utilize digital technology to optimize resource usage and enhance productivity and well-being. Infrastructure development, including roads, residential areas, and community facilities, is a key focus. Steel is essential for constructing these structures, making it a vital component in the growth of smart cities. As metallurgical coal is a primary input in steel production, the expansion of smart cities is expected to boost metallurgical coal consumption for steelmaking. The European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities, backed by the European Commission, is a significant market driver, aiming to create a European smart city market and improve livability. These developments underscore the importance of metallurgical coal in the global infrastructure sector, positioning it for continued growth in the forecast period. Metallurgical coal, a crucial component in steelmaking, is currently in focus due to its petrographic properties and carbonization process. Coal's thermal maturity, carbon content, and fossil carbon structure impact its utilization as an energy source or household fuel. Coal properties, such as coking properties, mesophase, pyrolysis, thermosolvolysis, and fluidity, influence coal macerals and chemical composition, determining coal rank. Coal extraction and blending techniques are essential for industrial processes, including coal-fired boilers and coke formation in blast furnaces. Metallurgical and thermal coal reserves are essential for power generation, but ESG risks, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and respiratory illnesses are growing concerns. Understanding coal deposits and their reserves is vital for the industry's sustainable growth. Carbon content, anthracite, and coal rank are significant factors in evaluating coal's suitability for various applications. The coal industry must address these challenges through innovative industrial processes and ESG initiatives to meet the evolving market demands. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Metallurgical coal is an essential resource in steel production, as it is used to create coke. The cost of metallurgical coal is influenced by global demand for iron and steel, making it more expensive than thermal coal. Prices for metallurgical coal are volatile due to macroeconomic factors, including global steel demand and trading policies of major consumers like China . For instance, India , the world's second-largest crude steel producer and a significant importer of coking coal, experienced a 49% increase in coking coal prices between May and November 2023 . These fluctuations make the market unreliable, with prices reaching as high as USD365 per ton in October 2023 . Despite predictions of falling prices, the value of Australia's metallurgical coal exports is expected to decrease due to these price fluctuations. The volatility of metallurgical coal prices acts as a barrier to market growth. Metallurgical coal, including bituminous, sub-bituminous, lignite, and coking coal, plays a crucial role in industries like steelmaking and electricity generation. Coking coal's primary use is in steel production, where it transforms into carbon-rich coke during the coking process, essential for iron ore to produce pig iron in the steelmaking process. However, challenges persist. Coal quality factors like caking ability, ash content, volatile matter, sulfur, and phosphorus impact coke production efficiency and steel quality. In electricity generation, non-coking coal is used, but its heating process requires careful consideration due to its lower heating value and higher ash content. Coal classification, based on vitrinite content, helps determine coal's suitability for various uses. Coking coals have high vitrinite content, while non-coking coals have low vitrinity. Metallurgical coke production relies on coal's caking property and plasticity. The steel industry and thermal power plants face a demand-supply gap due to depleting coal reserves and increasing environmental concerns. Coal blending and characterization, including coal washing and coking index determination, are essential to optimize coal usage and improve product quality. Additionally, metallurgical coal is used in producing ferro-chromium, ferro-manganese, carbon electrodes, pesticides, chemical products, carbon fibers, and medicines. The challenges in the metallurgical coal market include ensuring consistent coal quality, managing the supply chain, and addressing environmental concerns. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This metallurgical coal market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Steel making 1.2 Non-steel making 2.1 Hard coking coals 2.2 Semi-soft coking coals 2.3 Pulverized coal injection 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Steel making- Metallurgical coal plays a crucial role in the steelmaking industry, primarily used for coke production in the Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) processes. While BF-BOF requires larger volumes of metallurgical coal, EAF uses lower amounts. In 2020, the BF-BOF process was the dominant steel production method, with world crude steel output reaching 145.5 million tons (Mt) in November 2023 , a 3.3% increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by the rising global demand for steel, particularly in emerging economies like China and India , which are among the largest steel producers. Urbanization, infrastructure development, and the construction of new smart city projects further fuel this demand. Additionally, the coking process produces byproducts such as coal tar and benzol, which have stable demand in various industries. New steel plants are being established globally to meet this rising demand, further increasing the need for metallurgical coal. According to the International Energy Agency, global coal demand reached a record 8.3 billion tons in 2022, driven by its availability and affordability compared to other energy sources. These factors collectively contribute to the growth of the metallurgical coal market during the forecast period. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is a type of coal with high carbon content and caking ability essential for steelmaking. The world's largest metallurgical coal reserves are found in countries like Australia , China , India , and the United States . Metallurgical coal is primarily used in the production of coke for blast furnaces in the steelmaking process. Coke is produced by heating metallurgical coal in the absence of air to drive off volatile impurities, leaving behind a solid carbon-rich material. Metallurgical coal's high carbon footprint and air pollution make it a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and respiratory illnesses. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks associated with metallurgical coal mining and usage are increasingly becoming a concern. Metallurgical coal is used extensively in power generation, but its use is being phased out in favor of cleaner alternatives like natural gas and renewable energy sources. Thermal coal, on the other hand, is used primarily for electricity generation and household heating. The carbon content of thermal coal is lower than that of metallurgical coal, making it less suitable for steelmaking. Coal types include anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, and lignite. Iron ore, pig iron, and various alloys like ferro-chromium and ferro-manganese are produced using metallurgical coal in the steelmaking process. Metallurgical coal, also known as met coal, is a type of coal with high coking properties used primarily in steelmaking. It contains a higher carbon content than thermal coal, which is used for power generation and household heating. The world's largest coal reserves include metallurgical coal deposits in countries like China , Australia , India , and the United States . Metallurgical coal's primary use is in the steel industry, where it is transformed into coke in blast furnaces. Coke is essential for iron ore reduction in the steelmaking process, producing pig iron, which is then converted into steel. Metallurgical coal's carbon content, caking ability, and other properties are crucial for the successful production of coke. ESG risks, including carbon footprint and air pollution, are significant concerns for the metallurgical coal market. Greenhouse gas emissions from coal combustion contribute to climate change, while air pollution from coal mining and processing can lead to respiratory illnesses. The metallurgical coal market is also influenced by factors like coal quality, coal classification, and coal utilization. Coal quality is determined by properties like carbon content, ash content, volatile matter, sulfur, and phosphorus. Coal classification systems like the ASTM and the International Coal and Coke Classification System help standardize the assessment of coal quality. Coal utilization includes various applications, such as electricity generation, household heating, anaerobic heating, and the production of carbon fibers, medicines, and chemical products. The steel industry and thermal power plants are significant consumers of metallurgical coal. The metallurgical coal market is influenced by various processes like carbonization, thermal maturity, and coal characterization. Carbonization is the process of heating coal in the absence of air to produce coke and coal tar. Thermal maturity refers to the degree of coal's transformation from a plant to a solid fuel due to heat and pressure. Coal characterization involves analyzing the coal's chemical composition, coal macerals, and coal rank to determine its suitability for specific applications. Coal extraction techniques include coal washing, which separates coal from impurities like rock, clay, and other minerals. Coal blending techniques involve mixing different types of coal to improve the overall quality and reduce impurities. The metallurgical coal market's demand-supply gap can impact prices and availability. Factors like coal reserves, coal production, and coal washing capacity can influence the supply side, while demand from the steel industry and thermal power plants can impact the demand side. The metallurgical coal market's future outlook is influenced by various factors, including technological advancements, environmental regulations, and geopolitical risks. Technological advancements like the Corex process, which uses natural gas instead of coal to produce direct-reduced iron (DRI), could reduce the demand for metallurgical coal in the steel industry. Environmental regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution could increase the cost of producing and using metallurgical coal. Geopolitical risks, such as supply disruptions from major coal-producing countries, could impact the availability and price of metallurgical coal. The metallurgical coal market's future also depends on the development and adoption of alternative energy sources and technologies. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with coal-fired power generation. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies could help reduce the carbon footprint of the steel industry and thermal power plants. In conclusion, the metallurgical coal market is a complex and dynamic system influenced by various factors, including coal reserves, coal quality, steel industry demand, environmental regulations, and technological advancements. Understanding these factors is essential for stakeholders in the metallurgical coal market to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges and opportunities of this industry. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Steel Making Non-steel Making Type Hard Coking Coals Semi-soft Coking Coals Pulverized Coal Injection Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
I'M A Celebrity fans have shared the same complaint about GK Barry - having spotted an issue with Bushtucker Trials. Each year, famous faces in the ITV show do gruelling challenges to win food for camp. Advertisement 4 I'm A Celebrity viewers have shared the same complaint about GK Barry Credit: Eroteme 4 The social media star is in the latter stages of this year's series Credit: Eroteme 4 Viewers have branded GK as "lazy" - after pointing out a Bushtucker Trial issue Credit: Eroteme One of this year's stars is GK Barry - real name Grace Keeling - although fans aren't currently impressed with her. In the latter stages, campmates can volunteer to do the daily trials to win food. Viewers have branded GK Barry as "lazy" for not putting herself forward. Friday's episode saw Reverend Richard Coles and Coleen Rooney volunteer for the trial -- named Dreaded Dregs. Advertisement Read more on I'm A Celeb bad timing IAC's GK Barry accidentally announces Richard Coles' partner has 'passed on' lovebirds I’m a Celeb’s GK Barry sends sweet message to girlfriend Ella Rutherford One wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "GK is getting lazy tbh she has never volunteered for a trial. "She's hilarious with Richard but other than that she's just camp shef and not a great one." Another added: "Why hasn't GK offered to do a trial?" A third penned: "Seems GK hasn't done a trial in ages?? Surely they should take it in turns." Advertisement Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 GAGGING WAG Watch I'm A Celeb's Coleen almost VOMIT as she drinks crocodile anus Exclusive PRICE-LESS We had I’m A Celeb’s only REAL romance...I'm sad we don’t speak, says Katie Price ROONEY SWEET Wayne Rooney's sweet tribute to wife Coleen as he battles to save football job Exclusive roo-union Coleen Rooney set for emotional I'm A Celeb reunion with youngest sons TONIGHT While a fourth chimed in: "Reverend Richard always offers to do a trial even though he's the oldest while Alan has put himself forward for ONE and GK Barry doesn't put herself forward.... "They're not showing enough effort to make the top 4 right now." Yet another remarked: "Please god why is GK Barry still in there? I'm A Celeb's GK Barry reveals she bought a Porsche after getting rich overnight "She's as funny as politics & hasn't done a trial since her zero stars debacle." Advertisement Early in the series, GK teamed up with Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough in a trial called Drown in the Dumps. I'm A Celebrity 2024 i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth." Upon their arrival, Ant and Dec explained how one of them needed to go into a tank at the bottom with the other at the top. Unfortunately, they didn't manage to get a single star - returning to camp empty-handed as a result. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun DARR-ARGH! Weather maps reveal exact date Storm Darragh to hit Scots with rain, wind & SNOW 'SICK BEYOND BELIEF' Cops probe footage 'showing Scots woman having sex with XL Bully dog' Other than GK, Reverend Richard Coles , Coleen Rooney, Alan Halsall, Oti Mabuse and Danny Jones also remain in camp. I'm A Celeb continues on ITV1 and ITVX. 4 GK with campmates Barry McGuigan, Reverend Richard Coles and Alan Halsall Credit: Eroteme
Transform Smiles and Confidence in 2025 with Tryon Family DentistryTwo strokes and several surgeries later, Hunter worker wins top trainee award
The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressing support for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, although they reflect world opinion. Israel has faced growing international criticism over its conduct in Gaza as it fights Hamas militants, especially when it comes to humanitarian aid for desperate people in the besieged and heavily destroyed territory. Israeli airstrikes in northern and central Gaza killed at least 33 people overnight and into Wednesday, Palestinian medical officials said. Hospital records show one Israeli strike in northern Gaza killed 19 people in a home, including a family of eight — four children, their parents and two grandparents. The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas militant in the vicinity of the hospital, part of a blistering offensive in Gaza’s isolated and heavily destroyed north . The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people, including children and older adults. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials. They say women and children make up more than half the dead but do not distinguish between fighters and civilians in their count. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the latest: JERUSALEM — Israeli hospital officials say a young boy is fighting for his life after a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank. An Israeli bus came under fire from a suspected Palestinian attacker late Wednesday, the military said, and Israeli forces are searching for the shooter. Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem says at least three people were wounded in the shooting, which took place just outside the city in an area near major Israeli settlements. The hospital says the boy, who is about 10, is in grave condition. It says two other people, ages 24 and 55, were also hurt. UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban . The votes in the 193-nation world body were 158-9 with 13 abstentions to demand a ceasefire now and 159-9 with 11 abstentions to support the agency known as UNRWA. The votes culminated two days of speeches overwhelmingly calling for an end to the 14-month war between Israel and the militant Hamas group . General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they reflect world opinion. There are no vetoes in the assembly. Israel and its close ally, the United States, were in a tiny minority speaking and voting against the resolutions. BEIRUT — Israeli forces withdrew from a strategic town in southern Lebanon and handed it back to the Lebanese army in coordination with U.N. peacekeepers, the two militaries said Wednesday, marking an important test of the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants. It appeared to be Israel's first pullout from a Lebanese border town captured during this fall’s ground invasion, and comes as part of the initial phase of the ceasefire. The Lebanese army said Wednesday it has deployed units to five positions around the town of Khiam coinciding with the Israeli army’s withdrawal. Israel's military confirmed this was the first town it has turned over to the Lebanese army under the truce, which — if it endures — would end nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has said the truce deal gives it the right to use military force against perceived ceasefire violations. Israel has launched near-daily strikes, mostly in southern Lebanon, that have killed at least 28 people and wounded 25 others since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27. Still, the shaky truce appears to be holding. Five people were killed Wednesday by at least three Israeli strikes in different towns in the southern municipality of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency said. The Lebanese army warned civilians to stay out of Khiam until it can clear the area of any unexploded munitions. The strategic hilltop town, located less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the border with Israel, saw some of the most intense fighting during the war. Thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war returned home two weeks ago after a ceasefire took hold , driving cars stacked with personal belongings and defying warnings from Lebanese and Israeli troops to avoid some areas. WASHINGTON — All Russian naval ships that were docked at the Syrian port of Tartus have left and it appears Moscow is now looking for a new base along the coast now that its key ally, Bashar Assad, has been ousted a ruler of Syria, a U.S. official said. It’s not clear where the ships will go, but Russia may seek a new port on the Mediterranean Sea along the African shoreline, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss U.S. assessments. The official did not say how many vessels Russia had in Syria at the time Assad was overthrown. Moscow has dedicated the bulk of its military assets to the war in Ukraine. Asked about Tartus on Wednesday, Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said that the U.S. is seeing some Russian forces and naval vessels leaving Syria. “They just had one of their key political allies, ousted,” said Singh. “We’re seeing Russia consolidate assets.” — By Lolita C. Baldor UNITED NATIONS – The Palestinians are urging United Nations member countries to vote in favor of resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supporting the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees, which Israel has moved to ban in Palestinian territories. The Palestinian mission to the United Nations issued the urgent appeal to the 193 U.N. member nations ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s votes on the resolutions in the General Assembly, whose members have has been listening to two days of speeches overwhelmingly supporting the measures. Israel and close ally the United States have spoken against the resolutions. The Palestinians and their supporters went to the General Assembly after the U.S. vetoed a Security Council resolution last month demanding an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza. It was supported by the 14 other Security Councilmember nations, but the U.S. objected because the resolution did not include a link to an immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The General Assembly resolution being voted on Wednesday mirrors the Security Council language: It “demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” Unlike the Security Council, there are no vetoes in the General Assembly. But while council resolutions are legally binding, assembly resolutions are not, though they do reflect world opinion. The second resolution being voted on supports the mandate of the U.N. agency caring for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA which was established by the General Assembly in 1949. It “deplores” legislation adopted by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Oct. 28 banning UNRWA’s activities in the Palestinian territories, which takes effect in 90 days. It calls on the Israeli government “to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and uphold its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip.” JERUSALEM — Israel has lifted restrictions on public gatherings and outdoor activities in areas near the Lebanese border in the northern Golan Heights, two weeks after a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The army’s Home Front Command said it was changing its public safety guidelines to “full activity” from “partial activity.” Israel had tightened restrictions on Nov. 25, reflecting concerns that fighting could intensify ahead of any possible cease-fire between Israel and Lebanese militants. The truce went into effect on Nov. 27. In recent days, Israeli tanks and troops have advanced out of Israeli-held territory in the Golan Heights and pushed into a buffer zone inside Syria — a move Israel said it took to prevent attacks on its citizens. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. BEIRUT - Syria-based Palestinian factions have formed a unified delegation to meet with the country's new rebel-led authorities. The factions said in a statement after their meeting Wednesday at the Palestinian Embassy that they stand by the side of the Syrian people. The factions condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Syria over the past few days that have destroyed much of the assets of the Syrian army. The factions decided to form a joint committee to run the affairs of Palestinians in Syria as well as to be in contact with the new insurgent-led transitional government, following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live in Syria, many of them refugees, and the factions that have been based in Damascus were close to Assad’s government. Hamas was based in Syria until it left in 2012 a year after the county's civil war began. PRETORIA, South Africa — The United Nations chief says the fall of Syria’s authoritarian government has brought hope to the troubled Middle East, and pledged the global body’s support to the country's new leaders to ensure a smooth transition. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the U.N. wants to see “an inclusive political process in which the rights of all minorities will be fully respected, and paving the way towards a united sovereign Syria, with its territorial integrity fully re-established.” The jihadi-led Syrian rebels took control of the capital Damascus after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving many areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. A Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed force also controls large parts of northeastern Syria. Guterres said he fully trusts the people of Syria to be able “to choose their own destiny”. “I think it is our duty to do everything to support the different Syrian leaders in order to make sure that they come together and are able to guarantee a smooth transition, an inclusive transition in which all Syrians can feel that they belong," Guterres said. “The alternative does not make any sense.” Guterres is in South Africa to discuss the country’s role as it takes over the G20 presidency, among other issues. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike in central Gaza Strip killed four people and injured 16 others Wednesday, health officials said. Those killed and injured were taken to Awda Hospital after the strike hit a house in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, according to the press center at the hospital. Since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October last year, at least 44,805 people have been killed and 106,257 others have been injured, according to the latest update by the Gaza Health ministry. BEIRUT — The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East was in Lebanon on Wednesday meeting with the head of the Lebanese army. In the wake of shocking overthrow of the government in neighboring Syria, the two military leaders discussed the security situation in Lebanon, a statement from the country's army said. U.S. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, who leads U.S. Central Command, met with the head of the Lebanese army Gen. Joseph Aoun to discuss ongoing American support for the implementation of the U.S.-and French-brokered ceasefire agreement, which ended more than a year of war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israel has said the truce deal gives it the right to use military force against perceived ceasefire violations. Israel has launched near-daily strikes, mostly in southern Lebanon, that have killed at least 28 people and wounded 25 others since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27. Still, the shaky truce appears to be holding. Five people were killed Wednesday by at least three Israeli strikes in different towns in the southern municipality of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency said. On Tuesday, Kurilla was in eastern Syria visiting U.S. military bases and meeting with members of a Kurdish-led Syrian force that is backed by the U.S. He was assessing what CENTCOM described as efforts to counter a resurgence of the Islamic State group. He also visited Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials on regional security and counter-IS operations. DAMASCUS — With the fall of Damascus, security forces of the deposed Bashar Assad government and staff withdrew from the Damascus International airport, grounding flights and stranding passengers. The airport has not been functional since. Now, security members of the rebel alliance in control of Syria have taken control of the airport, hoping to restore security, a sense of confidence, and the legitimacy needed to restart flights out of the capital, and from one of the country’s three international airports. “Damascus international airport is the heart of the city because it is the gateway for international delegations and missions,” Omar al-Shami, a security official with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the faction that led the shock offensive that led to the fall of Assad, told The Associated Press, calling it "the passage for Syria to breathe.” Al-Shami said security was restored at the international airport nearly 12 hours after the fall of Damascus. The factions entered the capital before dawn, and security members of the rebel alliance took charge before sunset on Sunday. He said he hoped the airport would be operational in less than a week. On Wednesday, a handful of engineers were inspecting four planes that were on the tarmac. Cleaning staff were removing broken furniture, glass windows, and trash from ransacking by looters following the fall of Damascus. The attack, reportedly by mobs and looters from the neighboring areas, left parts of the airport halls destroyed, with smashed furniture and merchandise. “There was a lot damage in the airport’s equipment and facilities in 90% of the sections,” Anis Fallouh, the head of the airport, told the AP. Fallouh said the operations to clean up the airport aim to convince international airlines to resume their flights to Damascus. “Soon in the coming days, flights will resume when we reopen air traffic to Syria and inform countries that Damascus airport is operational. We may start with domestic or test flights to ensure that everything in the airport is operational and avoid any mistakes. Then we can resume international flights.” Engineers were inspecting the four planes on the tarmac, from two Syrian airlines. Some administrative staff were visiting the airport as the new administrators of Damascus work to convince state officials to return to their posts. “We are on the Airbus 320, the technical team. Because of the security vacuum that happened on Sunday, some ill-intentioned people tried to cause damage but thank God the plane is fine — the body, the engines and its systems. Some things are missing and we are trying to fix that,” said Bassam Radi, the engineer in charge of maintenance, said. BERLIN — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday addressed Berlin's reservations but also willingness to work the Syrian militant group in control of Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. “Nobody overlooks the origins of HTS in the al-Qaeda ideology. It is therefore clear that we will measure HTS by its actions,” Baerbock told reporters in Berlin. “Any cooperation presupposes that ethnic and religious minorities are protected, women’s rights are respected and acts of revenge are prevented.” She said that “whether we like it or not, the HTS militia ... is one of the decisive actors for the future of Syria.” “Together with our partners, we are therefore looking for an adequate way of dealing with HTS, with whom many have had no direct contact for good reasons,” she added. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the insurgent leader also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicted himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike near the southern Lebanese town of Bin Jbeil killed one person and wounded another, the state news agency reported. National News Agency said Wednesday’s airstrike hit a home. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israeli military. More than a dozen people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since a ceasefire went into effect on Nov. 27, ending the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war. WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to the Middle East this week on his 12th visit since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but his first since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad . Assad's departure has sparked new fears of instability in the region now wracked by three conflicts despite a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Blinken will travel to Jordan and Turkey on Thursday and Friday for talks expected to focus largely on Syria but also touch on long-elusive hopes for a deal to end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the territory since October 2023. The State Department said Blinken would meet Jordanian officials, including King Abdullah II, in the port of Aqaba on Thursday before flying to Ankara for meetings with Turkish officials Friday. Other stops in the region are also possible, officials said. Blinken “will reiterate the United States’ support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition to an accountable and representative government,” department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. BEIRUT — Insurgents have set on fire the tomb of Syria’s former President Hafez Assad in his hometown in the northwest, a war monitor and a local journalist said Wednesday. Hafez Assad had ruled Syria for 30 years until his death in 2000, when his son, Bashar, succeeded him. Both ruled Syria with an iron fist and were blamed for crackdowns that left tens of thousands dead, mainly in the central city of Hama in 1982, and in much of the country since the civil war in 2011. Bashar Assad was ousted over the weekend and fled to Russia where he was given political asylum. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syrian journalist Qusay Noor told The Associated Press that the tomb was set on fire Wednesday in the town of Qardaha in Latakia province. JERUSALEM — The United Nations is asking donors for over $4 billion to fund humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories, most of it earmarked for war-ravaged Gaza. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also called for the “lifting all impediments to the entry of aid” in its appeal issued Wednesday. U.N. agencies say aid operations in Gaza are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames the U.N. for not distributing it within the territory. The appeal for 2025 includes $3.6 billion for Gaza and about $450 million for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has destroyed vast areas of the besieged territory and displaced around 90% of its population of 2.3 million. Many have been displaced multiple times and are now crammed into squalid tent camps with little in the way of food or other essentials. Most of the population relies on international aid. JERUSALEM — The president of Paraguay addressed the Israeli parliament Wednesday ahead of the reopening of the country’s embassy in Jerusalem. The decision to reopen the embassy in Jerusalem and recognize the city as the capital of Israel is a diplomatic win for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and puts Paraguay in a small group of countries that have taken the move. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in 1967 but it wasn't recognized by the international community, and most countries run their embassies out of Tel Aviv. “Without Jerusalem, the land of Israel is a body without a soul,” President Santiago Peña said in a speech to the Knesset. “So I say here today that without an embassy in Jerusalem, diplomatic relations with Israel do not have a real heart.” He said he hoped the move would inspire other countries to do the same. The embassy is set to open Thursday. Pena’s move was welcomed by Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, along with other Israeli leaders. “Tomorrow we will inaugurate together the embassy of Paraguay in our eternal capital, and that will happen not for the first time, but for the second time,” Netanyahu said. Paraguay had an embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, under Former President Horacio Cartes. That embassy was moved back to Tel Aviv by Cartes’ successor, Mario Abdo Benitez, prompting Israel to close its embassy in Asuncion. Israel reopened its embassy in September. MOSCOW — Russia said Wednesday it has maintained contacts with the new authorities in Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “we are monitoring most closely what is happening in Syria.” “We, of course, maintain contacts with those who are currently controlling the situation in Syria,” Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. “This is necessary because our bases are located there, our diplomatic mission is located there and, of course, the issue related to ensuring the security of these facilities is extremely important and of primary significance.” Peskov wouldn’t give details of those contacts, saying only that Russia has contacted “those who are controlling the situation on the ground.” He wouldn’t give the number of Russian troops in Syria. Asked to comment about Israel’s seizure of a buffer zone on the border with Syria, Peskov called them destabilizing. “The strikes and actions in the Golan Heights area, in the buffer zone area, are unlikely to help stabilize the situation in an already destabilized Syria,” he said. Russia has granted political asylum to ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad and his family after they fled rebels who seized Damascus over the weekend. TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the recent events in Syria, including the fall of its government, were part of a joint plan by the United States and Israel. “There should be no doubt that what has happened in Syria is the result of a joint American and Zionist plan," Khamenei said in a speech in Tehran on Wednesday that was broadcast on state TV. “We have evidence, and this evidence leaves no room for doubt.” The Supreme leader added: “A neighboring state of Syria has played a clear role in this matter, and it continues to do so. Everyone can see this.” Khamenei also rejected speculation by analysts who have said that Iran will be weakened by the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government. “Those ignorant analysts are unaware of the meaning of resistance. They think that if resistance weakens, Islamic Iran will also weaken. But I say, with the help and power of God — by the will of Almighty Allah — Iran is powerful and it will become even more powerful," he said.Tech billionaire Elon Musk spent at least $270 million to help Donald Trump win the US presidency, according to new federal filings, making him the country's biggest political donor. SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk, the world's richest person, was an ardent supporter of Trump's White House campaign -- funneling money into door knocking operations and speaking at his rallies. His financial backing, which has earned him a cost-cutting advisory role in Trump's incoming government, surpassed spending by any single political donor since at least 2010, according to data from nonprofit OpenSecrets. The Washington Post reported that Musk spent more this election cycle than Trump backer Tim Mellon, who gave nearly $200 million and was previously the Republican's top donor. Musk donated $238 million to America PAC, a political action committee that he founded to support Trump, filings late Thursday with the Federal Election Commission showed. An additional $20 million went to the RBG PAC, a group that used advertising to soften Trump's hardline reputation on the key voter issue of abortion. Musk has been an ever-present sidekick for Trump since his election victory in November, inviting him to watch a rocket launch in Texas by his SpaceX company. Trump has selected the South African-born tycoon and fellow ally Vivek Ramaswamy to head the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, through which the pair have promised to deliver billions of dollars of cuts in federal spending. However, with Musk's businesses all having varying degrees of interactions with US and foreign governments, his new position also raises concerns about conflict of interest. The president-elect has nominated several people close to Musk for roles in his administration, including investor David Sacks as the so-called AI and crypto czar. Meanwhile, billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman, who has collaborated with Musk's SpaceX, was named the head of US space agency NASA. pgf-bjt/acbSeyond Announces Plan to Go Public via De-SPAC Transaction on Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Shailene Woodley didn’t want to say much about Aaron Rodgers in a new interview, because, she said, reflecting on her relationship with the controversial NFL quarterback “always makes me cry.” During an overnight camping trip in Malibu with a reporter for Outside magazine , the 33-year-old actor and environmentalist also said that her relationship with Rodgers, which reportedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic and ended in February 2022, “was not right.” “But it was beautiful,” she added in the interview published Tuesday. Later in the conversation, Woodley also alluded to how difficult the relationship became and how devastated she was when it ended. She and Rodgers reportedly began dating during the pandemic lockdown in July 2020, around the time he ended his two-year relationship with race car driver Danica Patrick. The revealed their engagement in 2021. “I had a really awful, traumatic thing happen in early 2022,” Woodley told Outside later in the conversation. Yes, the “Divergent” star wasn’t being specific here about the “awful, traumatic thing,” but Outside noted that her engagement to the former Green Bay Packers quarterback was called off that February. “I felt like I lost my soul, my self, my happiness, my joy,” Woodley said. “I really understood depression and anxiety and, like, complete soul detachment.” Woodley also said she chose to remain in a “toxic situation” because she was empathizing with “someone else.” “Empathy,” she says, “kind of kept me in this loop of feeling everything for everyone.” For Outside magazine, the “Big Little Lies” actor was being profiled as the publication’s Outsider of the Year. In a previous interview, Woodley opened up about “the darkest, hardest time in my life,” taking place in the fall of 2021, a time that coincided with the final months of her relationship with Rodgers and when he sparked national controversy by ranting critically about the COVID-19 vaccine. In a 2023 interview with Net-A-Porter’s Porter magazine, Woodley talked about dating “somebody in America who was very, very famous,” without naming Rodgers. In the fall of 2021, she also was filming the series, “Three Women.” But she talked about how it was difficult to focus on her work. “It was winter in New York, and my personal life was (expletive), so it felt like a big pain bubble for eight months,” Woodley said to Porter magazine. “I was so grateful that at least I could go to work and cry and process my emotions through my character,” Woodley said. In early November 2021, Rodgers did serious damage to his public image as a popular NFL star by going on an angry anti-COVID vaccination rant on “The Pat McAfee Show.” The reigning Most Valuable Player was then accused of being an arrogant, narcissistic crackpot with a persecution complex after he claimed he was a victim of “the woke mob” and that the media had launched “a witch hunt” to pin him down on whether he had been vaccinated. Unfortunately for Woodley, she was caught up in Rodgers’ controversy, mainly by coming to his defense in ways that were seen as tone-deaf, given that public health officials had raised serious concerns about the potential harm caused by Rodgers’ anti-vaccination statements in the midst of a global pandemic. Woodley took to social media to post snarky, expletive-laced and even sexually suggestive Instagram defenses of Rodgers. Over the next month, one source close to Woodley and Rodgers told People that they were trying to make their relationship work, while another insider said that they “disagreed on a lot of things,” including politics, but that they tried to keep the peace by not debating those topics. But the likelihood of a split became apparent when the Chico-reared Rodgers failed to thank Woodley or even mention her name when he won his third NFL MVP award in early February 2022. Reports soon followed that they had ended their engagement. Rodgers then appeared again on “The Pat McAfee Show,” during which he said he didn’t regret speaking his mind about the COVID-19 vaccine, but said he regretted how those comments impacted his loved ones. Rodgers, now the embattled quarterback for the losing New York Jets , then apologized directly to Woodley — or “Shai” — and others, saying he was “very sorry” for the blowback they encountered. A year later, Woodley acknowledged to Porter that being in “a quote-unquote ‘famous’ relationship” became difficult. “It honestly never really hit me that millions of people around the world were actually watching these things and paid attention to them,” she said. “I watched (the) scrutiny, opinions, the desire for people to know my life and his life and our life — it just felt violating in a way that, before, it was fun. I’m a very private person, and so I found that any time I posted anything, I instantly felt like I was sharing too much of who I am with people I didn’t necessarily trust.”Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker, who is overseeing Luigi Mangione’s pre-trial hearings, is facing criticism for her financial ties to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Reports indicate that Parker is wed to Bret Parker, a past executive at Pfizer, who departed from the company in 2010. Parker, who has managed the proceedings in Mangione’s case, possesses substantial investments in various healthcare and technology companies. Records show she possesses Pfizer stock worth between $50,000 and $100,000. Her portfolio comprises stocks in Abbott Laboratories, Viatris, and CRISPR Therapeutics. Further disclosures emphasized Parker's investments in leading technology firms, such as Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple. Her spouse still obtains a pension from his time at Pfizer. Journalist Ken Klippenstein, who covered Parker's financial assets, mentioned that she possesses assets valued in the hundreds of thousands. These holdings have raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest in cases linked to the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries. Mangione is alleged to have murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a crime that has garnered national attention. His purported manifesto, sections of which are still vague, reportedly referred to UnitedHealthcare’s substantial market presence. Luigi Mangione, charged with the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, showed up in court on Monday dressed in an outfit that coordinated with his lawyer’s. Mangione pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges, which comprise first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. Speaking into the courtroom microphone, he assertively declared, "Not guilty." The claims stem from the shooting of Thompson on December 4 near a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The occurrence happened during an investor conference held by UnitedHealth Group. Prosecutors allege that the murder was premeditated and associated with terrorism. If convicted, Mangione might receive a life sentence in prison with no possibility of parole. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction , arguing continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that dismissal is warranted because of the extraordinary circumstances of his impending return to the White House. “Wrongly continuing proceedings in this failed lawfare case disrupts President Trump’s transition efforts,” the attorneys continued, before citing the “overwhelming national mandate granted to him by the American people on November 5, 2024.” Trump’s lawyers also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. The Manhattan district attorney, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse the conviction, which involved efforts to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, whose affair allegations threatened to disrupt his 2016 campaign. He has denied any wrongdoing. Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Merchan hasn’t set a timetable for a decision. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. A dismissal would erase Trump’s historic conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Merchan could also decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, just before the 2016 presidential election, to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has pledged to appeal the verdict if the case is not dismissed. He and his lawyers said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!35 Magic Potions Disguised As Beauty Products, No Big Deal
Chased and cornered: Teenage boy assaulted and stabbed in backyard by gang
American and European stock markets mostly rose on Wednesday after inflation data cemented expectations that the US Federal Reserve will trim interest rates next month. While the Dow fell slightly, the other two major US indices advanced, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq, which piled on almost two percent to close above 20,000 points for the first time. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the USSeyond Announces Plan to Go Public via De-SPAC Transaction on Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Still have Christmas presents to buy? Before you dash to the nearest commercial strip, fight other customers for the last janky item on the shelf or spend precious time at the check-out, why not coast through the shopping flurry by supporting these 10 Latino-owned, California-based online businesses? Order a quality-crafted handbag from Cuyana for your college-bound niece, fuel your java-obsessed cousin with a monthly coffee subscription from Coffee del Mundo , or add Mexican sazón to your sibling’s camping experience with Itacate meals. Not only will you be gifting a meaningful and unique item fit for their personalities, but you will also be supporting Latino entrepreneurs. For the foodie: ‘The SalviSoul Cookbook’ Perfect for anyone that loves to try new recipes, the “Salvisoul Cookbook” ($21.10) is a great addition to any kitchen. L.A.-based chef Karla Tatiana Vasquez crafts a collection of 80 recipes, along with familial anecdotes and stories that honor her Salvadoran heritage. From rellenos de papa to flor de izote con huevos revueltos, salpicón de res and variations of Salvadoran pupusas, Chef Vasquez celebrates Salvadoran culture in Los Angeles and beyond. The cookbook is available at major retailers. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, inquire online about private classes hosted in the L.A. area. For the CBD-enthusiasts: XiCali products Provide relief with XiCali Products , an L.A.-based CBD business on a mission to alleviate pain. Founder Chelly XiCali turned to homemade CBD remedies to help her mom manage her debilitating diabetic neuropathy. Although her mother was initially skeptical, she eventually embraced the natural remedy for her pain relief, prompting Chelly to start her business. Their top seller is the Canna Canela Rub ($25-$75) , a blend of CBD oil and warming Sri Lankan cinnamon bark and ginger — great for anyone with aches and pains. The Corona Polisher Headache Roll-On ($25-$40) , made with hemp liniment, frankincense, peppermint and magnesium, soothes severe headaches and makes an ideal stocking stuffer. And if the holiday gift-shopping stress has got you worried, the Mellow Out tincture (25-$75) is a nonaddictive and natural remedy to temper that tension. For the scent aficionados: L’Aromatica Gift a scent that tells a story. L’Aromatica is a Latina-owned fragrance company based in Northern California that offers small-batch, vegan, cruelty-free and gender-neutral scents made with pure botanical ingredients. Shoppers can choose from their three in-house brands: L’Aromatic, the original Mixed-Media line; Laro, the luxury line; and Marin Fragrance Co., their local and casual collection. Don’t know how to shop for scents online? L’Aromatica provides fragrance profiles with detailed information on what is included in each bottle. Whether it’s their Pacifica scent ($60) , which pays homage to California’s seaside with notes of eucalyptus and aquatic musk, or their rich and creamy Kulfi scent ($45-60) featuring saffron botanicals, they’ve got you covered. Before buying a full-size fragrance, sample it first as all ingredients react differently to individual body chemistries. Individual samples for some fragrances start at $3.50 . Can’t decide which scent to go with? The Laro Discovery Set ($55) comes with 11 samples and a detailed sheet describing each fragrance’s notes. For the candle-obsessed: Soy Latina Candles Elevate your candle maven’s space this holiday season with Soy Latina Candles , a handmade brand that offers nontoxic home and body products. Founder Krystal Flores, based in L.A., initially picked up candle-making as a hobby while caring for her son during his open-heart surgery recovery. Her best-selling candle, Flor de Luna ($26) features delicate notes of amber, agave, pear, musk and rose. Another customer favorite is the Reina candle ($26) , which boasts a sweet floral aroma with hints of jasmine, amber and black currant. Soy Latina Candles also offers room sprays, including the Chapina Room spray ($22) , a collaboration with content creator Jessica Sosa. This spray features zen-like aromas of beachy coconut and tranquil aloe reminiscent of coastal Guatemala. To top it off, a portion of each purchase supports families with children in hospitals through donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, as well as those suffering from visual snow syndrome through the Eye and Vision Foundation. For the happy camper: Itacate meals Gift the taste of Mexican flavor to campsite meals with Itacate . Founder Martha Y. Diaz, based in the Bay Area, created the company as an avid outdoor adventurer who sought the comfort of Mexican food during her excursions. Her professional background in sustainability and product safety led her to create Itacate, a company that specializes in rehydrated Mexican meals for outdoor camping. Her best-sellers include the Charge-Up Chilaquiles ($12.49) , a vegetarian and protein-rich traditional dish, and the Sunset Caldo ($12.49) , which consists of a spicy chipotle-based broth. Itacate also features sweet treats like the Arroz con leche ($6.95) and the Coconut Brittle Bugitos snack ($6.99) , toasted mealworms (yep!) with dry coconut. Items are available on the Itacate website or at REI. For the jewelry fan: GRL Collective Fill your loved-one’s stockings with trinkets from GRL Collective . The Latina lifestyle brand was created by southern Californian Kristine Rodriguez in 2017 and was born out of a passion for empowering women and girls. The Latina stud earrings ($60) are subtle yet perfect everyday statement pieces. The Earminder Studs ($48-$68) make the ideal gift for yourself or someone you admire, as each stone represents a daily positive reminder. The Chingona/Badass Charm Hoops ($60-92) features a dainty, twinkling affirmation while the Breastfeeding trophy necklace ($85-$100) is a tribute to mothers. GRL Collective also features mixed pattern, cruelty-free leather handbags and coin purses that are sure to glam up any outfit. Items are available for purchase online. For the coffeehead: Coffee del Mundo Looking to fuel the Java lovers in your life? Coffee del Mundo, founded by Jonathan Kinnard in South L.A., offers a range of experiences that all caffeine enthusiasts can enjoy. With their Frequent Flyers Club ($35 per month) , available year-round, coffee-obsessed individuals can transport their taste buds to the volcanic landscapes of Guatemala or the tropical forest of El Salvador. The monthly subscription allows individuals to curate their own coffee-tasting experience, with options for light, medium and dark roasted beans and five different taste profiles. The South L.A. coffee shop also offers a limited edition eco-friendly Mundo sampler ($35) , which includes three 3-ounce handpicked roasted coffee bags and a tasting guide. You can order items online or visit their storefront (7414 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles), which offers a dairy-free menu. For the chocoholic: Cru Chocolate Give the gift of Cru Chocolate this season while simultaneously supporting a brand that is redefining the chocolate world through its ethical practices. Cru Chocolate is all-natural, culturally authentic and sustainably produced. Based in Roseville, Calif., founder Karla McNeil Rueda, an engineer with expertise in cacao technology, works closely with talented farmers in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras to ensure that only the finest ingredients are ethically sourced. The award-winning chocolate comes in powder form, perfect for a cozy cup of hot cocoa this holiday season. Their 4.4 lb bulk bag ($98) is the ideal holiday treat for chocolate enthusiasts. Want to test it out first? The wheel set , containing 2 rounded cacao disks, is $10 . For the fashionista: Amor Prohibido There is no better way to start a new year than with a fresh look! Gift your fashionista a staple piece from Amor Prohibido , a streetwear brand that tells a story through specially crafted clothing. Designer Bryan Escareño incorporates his upbringing in southwest L.A into each design, often evoking memories of the ’90s. His latest collection, “Dance in the Rain,” features earth-toned greens and blues. Artist DannyLux showcased the collection in his music video “ Soltera ,” wearing the Moss Green Denim Love Button-Up ($278.00) and Big Stepper Split Denim ($372.00) . The collection “Diosito” incorporates subtle elements of religion with a single-stiched cross. The Mi Diosito White Thermal ($75.00) is a nice addition to any wardrobe, as is the Mi Diosito Baby Tee ($85.00) . For the goal-oriented hustlers: Cuyana Organize your items with style. Cuyana specializes in crafting timeless handbags for everyday use. Founded by Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah, and based in the Bay Area, Cuyana partners with expert leather suppliers from Ecuador, Vietnam, Italy, Argentina and beyond. They’ve curated a gift guide with their most beloved and new items, as well as luxury splurges. Check out their Travel Case Set ($168) made with 100% Argentinian leather. You can also customize the System Tote 13-inch bag ($328) by adding a laptop sleeve ($98) or pouch ($178) , making it the perfect gift for people attached to their computers.