By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China’s hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals.” Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number” were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are “primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.

Struggling Nuggets could land $76 million former DPOY via trade with Grizzlies | Sporting News

The Sacramento Kings shocked the NBA world by parting ways with head coach Mike Brown. Sacramento is currently in the midst of a five-game losing streak, including a frustrating loss to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday evening. Read more: Kings Shockingly Fire HC Mike Brown Following Poor Start to Season Brown won the 2023 NBA Coach of the Year award after bringing Sacramento back to the postseason for the first time since 2006. But in his sophomore season with the team, the Kings failed to make the playoffs. Sacramento committed to Brown, giving him a contract extension this offseason, making this firing even more difficult to understand. But the Kings haven't started the year out well at all. They currently own a record of 13-18, sitting in 12th place within the Western Conference standings. This team still has All-Stars De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, giving them a chance whenever on the floor. Read more: Lakers, Rockets Headline Potential Landing Spots For Star Guard Amid Trade Rumors Sacramento likely decided to remove Brown in an attempt to salvage this season and beyond . The Kings hired assistant coach Doug Christie to take over as the interim for now and will likely do a full search for a replacement over the offseason. Here are five candidates who could fill the void left by Brown: 5. James Borrego, New Orleans Pelicans assistant Borrego is best known for being a strong tactician and he would bring some experience to the table with the Kings. Borrego was a candidate this past summer for some of the open jobs and the Los Angeles Lakers were very interested in hiring him before they landed JJ Redick. Borrego helped the Charlotte Hornets overachieve years ago and has learned a lot since that time. The Kings could bring in a young, energetic mind to replace Brown with this hire. 4. Darvin Ham, Milwaukee Bucks assistant Ham had a successful run with the Lakers before he was let go this offseason. The pressure to win in Los Angeles is what ran Ham out of town, even after a trip to the Conference Finals. The former head coach still has a fire to keep coaching and could do well in Sacramento. His experience being the leading man in Los Angeles would certainly help shape him to be able to deal with running the Kings. 3. Micah Nori, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Nori was a highly-talked-about name last offseason and teams around the league love him. During the playoffs, Nori took over as Wolves' head coach while Chris Finch recovered from an injury. Nori doesn't have the leading experience like a few others on this list but his innovation could be great for Sacramento. This would certainly be a big plus for the Kings if they could land him. 2. Chris Quinn, Miami Heat assistant Quinn has been a hot name around NBA circles for some time now and the Miami Heat love him. While he doesn't have experience as a leading man in the league, Quinn has found a lot of success in Miami. Players love him and he would bring some freshness to this Sacramento organization. If the Kings are serious about keeping Fox around long-term, someone like Quinn certainly wouldn't hurt things. 1. Sam Cassell, Boston Celtics assistant The Boston Celtics lead assistant has been interviewing for head coaching roles for a long time now and it's about time he is given a chance. This could be a massive win for the Kings to be able to land a young talent like Cassell. The former NBA guard would bring a certain level of toughness to the table and would certainly demand respect from the two stars. Cassell has worked with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia Sixers, and now Celtics. For more on the Kings and the NBA at large, check out Newsweek Sports .

NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia on Monday knocked Wall Street off its big rally and helped drag U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 240 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite pulled back 0.6% from its own record.

Hunter, Jeanty give Heisman ceremony a different vibeColts QB Anthony Richardson questionable vs. GiantsCombination brings emerging leader in Italian natural gas and renewable natural gas to public markets Shares of AleAnna, Inc. to begin trading on Nasdaq on December 16 under the ticker symbol "ANNA" AleAnna stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025 DALLAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia and ROME, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AleAnna, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "AleAnna" or the "Company"), an emerging leader in Italy's energy landscape, announced the completion of the previously announced business combination (the "Business Combination") between Swiftmerge Acquisition Corp. IVCP ("Swiftmerge"), a special purpose acquisition company, and AleAnna Energy, LLC ("AleAnna Energy"). Concurrent with the completion of the Business Combination, Swiftmerge has changed its name to AleAnna, Inc. Commencing at the open of trading on December 16, 2024, the Class A shares of common stock and warrants of AleAnna are expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbols "ANNA" and "ANNAW", respectively. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Swiftmerge and was approved at an extraordinary general meeting (the "Shareholders Meeting") of Swiftmerge's shareholders on December 12, 2024. Former equity holders of AleAnna Energy rolled 100% of their equity interests into the combined company. Prior to the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 6, 2024, AleAnna Energy's equity holders contributed over $60 million in cash, bringing the company's total cumulative investment to nearly $175 million. This infusion of capital enabled the completion of the Longanesi Field tie-in and the acquisition of initial renewable natural gas ("RNG") assets, both finalized in Q3 2024. Additionally, the investment covered expenses related to the business combination and provided funding for general corporate liquidity. As of the transaction close, AleAnna had approximately $28 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet and no debt. This disciplined approach to financial management has empowered AleAnna to allocate significant capital to innovative exploration and development projects while preserving financial flexibility. Long History In Developing Resources in Italy AleAnna has a distinguished history in Italy, having been a leader in energy exploration and development for over a decade. Since its founding in 2007, the company has been dedicated to unlocking the significant potential of Italy's natural gas reserves through the application of cutting-edge seismic imaging and environmentally responsible practices. AleAnna holds one of the largest portfolios of exploration permits and production concessions in Italy, spanning over 2.3 million acres. By combining advanced technology with a deep respect for Italy's cultural and environmental heritage, AleAnna is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation's energy independence and economic growth, earning its reputation as a trusted partner in Italy's energy future. Positioning itself as a leader in both onshore conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) production, AleAnna is at the forefront of building a secure and reliable domestic energy supply for Italy and the broader European market. The company stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025. Alongside this, additional gas discoveries at Gradizza and Trava, 13 development prospects in various permitting stages, and leases covering approximately 2.3 million net acres underscore AleAnna's commitment to future exploration and development. AleAnna is also helping drive the European Union's clean energy transition through its innovative approach to RNG. Leveraging the strategic overlap between its conventional and renewable assets in the Po Valley, AleAnna is transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy. With three RNG facilities operational and over 100 additional opportunities identified, AleAnna is poised for significant expansion in this sector. Guided by a commitment to corporate responsibility and a vision for a sustainable future, AleAnna integrates conventional and renewable energy solutions to reduce Europe's carbon footprint and advance its clean energy objectives. By delivering innovative energy solutions, AleAnna continues to shape Italy's energy landscape and support the EU's transition toward a greener future. Experienced Management And Board Of Directors The combined company will be led by William Dirks as Executive Director and Marco Brun as Chief Executive Officer, supported by a seasoned and highly skilled executive team. AleAnna's leadership team brings extensive expertise gained from top-tier energy companies, including Shell, Eni, and Exxon. This seasoned group combines in-depth knowledge of energy technology, operations, and business development with well-established regulatory and industry networks in Italy. Their collective experience equips AleAnna to effectively navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving energy landscape. The Board of Directors, which will include Graham van't Hoff, William Dirks, Marco Brun, Duncan Palmer, and Curtis Hébert, collectively brings a wealth of experience spanning global energy markets, technical and operational expertise, European energy development, financial management, governance, and regulatory policy. This diverse set of skills and perspectives ensures comprehensive strategic oversight and positions AleAnna for sustained growth and success. With over 15 years of investment and operational experience in Italy, AleAnna has a competitive advantage in securing critical permits and approvals, positioning it ahead of its peers. The company's approach integrates cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices with strategic capital allocation to maximize the value of its conventional and renewable natural gas (RNG) assets. AleAnna is dedicated to sustainable, low-cost growth while maintaining strict capital discipline. By prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and long-term shareholder value, AleAnna is well-positioned to lead the next phase of Italy's energy transformation. Management Commentary Bill Dirks, Executive Director of AleAnna, commented, "Our investment in state-of-the-art subsurface technology has been a game-changer for AleAnna. By leveraging advanced seismic imaging and cutting-edge data analysis, we have achieved unparalleled accuracy in identifying and developing Italy's natural gas resources. This technology not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures that our exploration and development activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector." Marco Brun, AleAnna's Chief Executive Officer, added, "We stand at a pivotal moment in AleAnna's journey. As we gear up for production at Longanesi and scale our renewable natural gas (RNG) operations, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving a sustainable energy future. This strategy not only delivers value to AleAnna shareholders but also plays a key role in reshaping the energy landscape for generations to come." About AleAnna, Inc. AleAnna is an innovative energy company dedicated to unlocking Italy's extensive natural gas reserves and advancing renewable energy solutions to address the country's energy needs and support Europe's sustainability and energy security goals. With a vast portfolio encompassing over 2.3 million acres of potential resources and state-of-the-art technologies, AleAnna is poised to lead Italy's energy transition. Guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence, AleAnna is shaping a sustainable and secure energy future. The company operates regional headquarters in Dallas, TX, and Rome, Italy, serving as strategic hubs for its global and local initiatives. Forward-Looking Statements The information included herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, AleAnna's future financial performance following the Business Combination, as well as AleAnna's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any statements made in connection herewith, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on AleAnna management's current expectations and assumptions about future events. They are based on current information about the outcome and timing of future events. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, AleAnna disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. AleAnna cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of AleAnna. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination and any transactions contemplated thereby, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of AleAnna to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its management and key employees; AleAnna's need for additional capital to execute its business plan and support its anticipated growth; costs related to the Business Combination; the risks associated with the growth of AleAnna's business and the timing of expected business milestones; AleAnna's ability to identify, develop and operate new projects; the reduction or elimination of government economic incentives to the natural gas market; delays in acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects; decline in public acceptance and support of renewable energy development and projects; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory and governmental permits and approvals; uncertainty regarding the EU's clean energy transition, including existing regulations and changes to regulations and policies that affect AleAnna's operations; the ability to maintain the listing of AleAnna's securities on a national securities exchange; and the effects of competition on AleAnna's future business. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any statements made in connection in addition to these occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that AleAnna does not know or that AleAnna currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact AleAnna's expectations and projections can be found in filings it makes with the SEC, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Swiftmerge and AleAnna Energy with the SEC on November 21, 2024, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by AleAnna. SEC filings are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Investor Relations Contact For AleAnna, Inc.: Bill Dirks wkdirks@aleannagroup.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

None

For a top-to-toe wellbeing boost , some time out from the daily grind or a slow-paced getaway with your nearest and dearest, there’s nothing quite like a spa break for a recharge and reset. For those who don’t fancy the faff of heading abroad for an R&R fix , there are plenty of exceptional spa hotels right here in the UK . Spas have come a long way in recent years. No longer simply offering a whirl in a singular jacuzzi followed by a cream tea, wellness spaces are now equipped with the latest innovations designed to boost longevity and reset the mind and body. Whether you’re more partial to swimming laps or lazing poolside, lavender-scented thermal suites or bespoke facials, the pampering properties on our list all have serious credentials. You’ll find plenty of fine dining, healthy spreads and local and seasonal produce on offer – some hotels even have a Michelin star or two. From blowout country house breaks to eco-friendly finds and slick urban retreats, we’ve rounded up the best UK spa hotels below. So get ready to don a fluffy robe and relax. If cosy is what you crave, Dormy House is the one. This handsome 17th-century farmhouse-turned-39-room-boutique-hotel just outside Broadway village sits inside the 400-acre Farncombe Estate and serves up Cotswolds conviviality in such abundance that it’s impossible not to leave with a spring in your step. Flagstone-floored lounges with sofas draped in blankets by log fires invite guests to kick off their wellies and stop for a cuppa. It makes for a lovely spot to retreat to after yomps to Broadway Tower. At the House Spa, there’s a candlelit indoor infinity pool, a hydrotherapy hot tub fringed by pots of violet fauxliage, a gym, and thermal suite, salt steam room, lavender-infused number and experience shower, which mimics being caught in a rainforest downpour in the loveliest of ways. A raft of treatments using Temple Spa and Proverb products range from a sugar buff scrub and warm oil massage combo to body massages. Also on offer are mani-pedis, flotation tank experiences and therapist-free ‘wave touch’ massages – a lie-on waterbed with choose-your-own-strength jets. As well as a spa cafe with sun terrace, there’s the slow-food Back Garden restaurant. For slumbering, bedrooms blend Scandi-style interiors with wooden beams, floral fabric walls, and glinting roll-top bathtubs. Ianthe Butt Read more: Best spa hotels in the Lake District for outdoor saunas and forest views As famed for its honey-hued Georgian buildings as the ancient thermal waters it was founded on, Bath makes for a brilliant wellness break. The place to bed down is the Gainsborough Bath Spa, which has 99 bedrooms with monochrome palettes and is the only hotel with a spa directly fed by Bath’s mineral-rich spring water. A handful of spa bedrooms even have the thermal water piped straight into roll-top bathtubs, while for blowout group getaways, there’s a four-floor Georgian townhouse set adjacent to the main hotel. The Spa Village’s centrepiece is a dramatic mosaic-tiled thermal pool set underneath a glass atrium and surrounded by Romanesque columns. Offering a more boutique experience than the city’s popular Thermae Baths, the Gainsborough Spa also has two smaller soaking pools, an ice alcove and relaxation terrace, which form an invigorating self-guided bathing circuit. Unknotting aromatherapy, Swedish essential oil and thermal candle massages are on offer in 11 treatment rooms, alongside rejuvenating Hungarian mud detoxes. IB Set in the New Forest National Park, where wild ponies meander through woodland and violet-tinged heather scrub, Lime Wood is the ultimate rural retreat. The 13th-century lodge, transformed into a country house hotel with glorious grounds, has lounges with roaring fires, an Italian restaurant helmed by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder and 33 rooms with botanical artwork, antique furniture and bloom-festooned cushions. Facilities at the calming, three-level Herb House spa nail serenity, with a 16m indoor lap pool (floor-to-ceiling glass windows mean front crawl comes with a side of dappled sunlight and forest views), two hydropools, an outdoor hot pool set underneath olive trees and 10 treatment rooms. The spa menu includes massages using seaweed-infused VOYA or Bamford products, reflexology sessions and OPI mani-pedis. Plus, Lime Wood is the first spa in Britain to offer Ground treatments, created by wellness expert Peigin Crowley, this series of rituals targets the likes of anxiety and hormone change, combines Gua Sha, breathwork, cold-stone therapy and lymphatic drainage. Personal trainers are on hand in the Technogym to ramp up fitness regimes, there are energetic aqua resistance sessions in the pool, plus pilates and yoga in the herb-filled rooftop garden. Afterwards, there’s healthy grub – freshly pressed greens and ginger juices and seasonal soups – on offer at spa restaurant Raw and Cured. IB Price: Doubles from £419, room only, including spa access. Spa days from £185pp Book now Read more: Best spa hotels in Edinburgh - Where to stay for luxury rooms and rejuvenation Surrounded by 380 acres of parkland by the tranquil River Maine, 40 minutes from Belfast, the atmosphere at the 125-room Galgorm is refreshingly relaxed and jolly (it has a 500-strong gin library for one thing). Accommodation – with all lodges dog-friendly – ranges from business-style bedrooms to Scandi-style cottages and rustic log cabins. There are four restaurants, including laidback AA Rosette-awarded Italian joint Fratellli plus rousing live music each night at Gillies Grill. The property’s award-winning Spa Village is one of Europe’s largest thermal spas, with a whopping six acres in which to bliss out, including a trio of gardens (alpine, walled and riverside) and a raft of facilities, including an indoor infinity hydrotherapy pool, riverside hot tubs, an indoor pool, snow cabin, salt room, aroma grotto and herb caldarium. Massages use Aromatherapy Associates oil or CBD-infused OTO products, plus there’s an only-available-at Galgorm iDome Detox Therapy – a touchless treatment that uses colour and plasma therapy to rejuvenate skin. For post-relaxation fuel, order pho and virgin watermelon lemonades at timber-dome restaurant Elements. It’s a good pick for golfers, as there’s a par-72 championship course on the grounds of the nearby Galgorm Castle Estate, a six-hole pitch and putt, and a golf academy. IB A seaside break is an instant reviver, and the adults-only Scarlet, with its cliffside setting above Mawgan Porth’s butterscotch sands, eco-architecture and wonderful spa, is a breath of fresh air for the soul. The 37 rooms – all pale wooden floorboards, decorated in mossy green and dusky blues inspired by wildflowers and sea mosses – each have a sea view, be it full-facing or from an upper-level sitting room. Popular with couples, the spa is heavy on wild-at-heart romance, with blue-on-blue seascape panoramas from the indoor pool, outdoor natural pool (a bracing, freshwater number, filtered by a living reed bed system) and a clifftop barrel cedar wood sauna. Ayurvedic treatments, including Shirodhara and Mukhabyanga facial massage, offer a taste of longer, four-hour ‘journeys’ (solo, couples, pregnancy) alongside hot herb and oat-filled poultice massages and Tula facials. Hands-on DIY hammam experiences for two, which involve slathering one another with mineral mud and an aromatic scrub atop a heated ceramic bed, are a hoot, and leave skin silky-smooth. Afterwards, laze in slumber-inducing hanging canvas pods, do outdoor yoga and tai chi, or head out surfing. A visit to the restaurant is a must – it’s overseen by chef Jack Clayton, known for his focus on sustainable, responsibly sourced cuisine, and good-natured sommelier Nick Bryant. Pick from seven-course fine-dining suppers or afternoon cream teas; just be sure to layer jam before clotted cream, in keeping with the Cornish tradition. IB Read more: The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel review Historic Rudding Park, a quick drive from former spa town Harrogate, will suit spa junkies looking for a retreat with a modern, unstuffy vibe. The Georgian Hall-turned-90-room-hotel has comfortable rooms with colour-pop touches, 300 acres of gardens, a cinema, two golf courses and Horto, where the likes of courgette and feta tarts and white chocolate and passion fruit fondants are served. It’s the innovative spa, fed in part by natural spring waters, that’s the real masterstroke. Alongside an indoor pool, juniper log sauna, rasul (for mud masks and scrubs), nail studio and gym, there are audio meditation pods, an AV relaxation room and Mandala colour therapy zone. Outside, on the shrub-filled rooftop, there’s even more: a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, a tranquillity space with heated Evo loungers, glass-fronted sauna with astonishing panoramas of the Yorkshire countryside, sunlight therapy room and oxygen pod. Treatments run the gamut from Natura Bissé facials to hot stone massages, and spa rates include a daily Aufguss session – 15-minute sauna rituals where an Aufguss master uses water, essential oils and clever towel movements to circulate the heat to lift endorphins. The property also caters for those with accessibility needs, with level access across the spa, a pool lift for indoor and hydro pools, and an adapted treatment room and accessible shower/changing room. IB In 1990, long before it became de rigueur , Chewton Glen was one of the first country house hotels to create a purpose-built spa, and it has been winning accolades ever since. The straight-out-of-Austen hotel sits in 130 acres of grounds on the fringe of the New Forest National Park, and many ingredients used at the Dining Room come from the kitchen garden. Rooms range from traditional affairs with mallard-print cushions, mahogany furniture and rose colour palettes to high-in-the-canopy tree house suites with balcony hot tubs. The 1,350sq m spa has a 17m Roman-style indoor lap pool, a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor whirlpool and cold drench showers. On the spa menu are Mii gel mani-pedis and oil massages. Can’t decide? Book a slot and the therapist will craft something bespoke. Also on offer are brand new body rituals using CBD brand OTO products, which are tailored to ramp up energy levels or rebalance, as required. Mindfulbuffets are served in the Pool Bar, for those watching their PH balance, and junior spa treatments, a nine-hole par three golf course, dance and fitness studio, tennis courts, and a cookery school – recently taken over by Chef Gerard Molloy – make Chewton a good family pick. IB Read more: Why this Caribbean island is the perfect place for a female-focused wellness break Want a spa break with a horticultural hit? This ivy-covered, buttermilk-stone Jacobean country pile in West Sussex has it covered, with 93 acres of beech and oak woodland, rhododendron-filled ornamental gardens and breathtaking South Downs panoramas. The old-world main house – all ornate peacock ceiling carvings, dark wood panelling and 18th-century oil portraits – also has excellent restaurants Camellia and The Pass, overseen by Ben Wilkinson. Suites are relaxing spaces with velvet throws, fireplaces, bold striped wallpaper and mosaic-tiled bathrooms. The real serenity, however, is at the 4,087sq m, green oak-clad, meadow-roofed spa, which blends into the South Downs scenery beautifully. There’s plenty to keep swimmers happy, with a trio of dipping spots – an indoor infinity pool, an outdoor hydrotherapy number, and a back-to-nature 18m wild swimming pond too. Unwind-in-an-instant body massages use bespoke products and take place in nature-inspired treatment rooms, there’s a beauty bar for glam Jessica mani-pedis, a spin studio and gym, and plant-based food on offer at the Botanica restaurant. IB Not many spas are akin to immersive art, but that’s exactly the case at Beaverbrook’s Coach House Health Club and Spa. Offering a zeitgeist-y foil to the 19th-century Victorian mansion and its sprawling Surrey Hills grounds, the spa’s vivid stained-glass ceiling, designed by artist Brian Clarke, makes you feel as though you’re wrapped up in a rainbow. Wellness here focuses on the power of nature, with a roster including tailored, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV vitamin infusions, Therapi facials and osteopathy as well as a calendar of experiences ranging from winter signatures to full moon ceremonies, The pretty indoor pool is a delight – with a design that looks as though there are flowers bobbing on the water’s surface – plus there’s a splash pool, Coach House Spa, thermal suite, gym, and relaxation room. Spoiling spa aside, Beaverbrook is all polished razzle-dazzle – in keeping with the spirit of its former owner, press baron Lord Beaverbrook, who was renowned for his Gatsby-esque parties. Some of the bedrooms, decked out with abstract art prints and antiques, are named after Lord Beaverbrook’s pals, including Rudyard Kipling and Elizabeth Taylor. Evenings can be spent in the cinema, feasting on sushi at the Japanese Grill or rustic Mediterranean at the Garden House, before lemon, ginger ale and peach Spitfire Collins cocktails at Art Deco style Sir Frank’s Bar. IB Price: Spa escapes from £992 Book now Read more: The world’s best hotel tennis courts Moments from the Thames, and a hop, skip and a jump from Trafalgar Square, this five-star hotel has an unrivalled riverside setting, and is home to ESPA Life at Corinthia. Spread across four floors, the 3,300sq m spa is all high-drama Game of Thrones sultriness. Curved, gold corridors and a marble staircase descend to a thermal floor, where midnight black Italian marble rubs up against a vitality pool lit by a flickering fireplace. As well as a mosaic-tiled steam room, ice fountain and 9m stainless steel swimming pool – embedded with golden lights that create swooshing patterns as you swim – there’s a roomy, amphitheatre-style glass-walled sauna soundtracked by classical music. Even the changing rooms are a thing of beauty – the women’s have heated marble loungers, a sauna and steam room, the men’s a sauna and tepidarium. The range of expert-led treatments – performed in 17 pods – is second to none. ESPA therapies – including a full body vitality massage, featuring a warm rose quartz crystal scalp massage, ‘natural facelift’ facials inspired by Japanese Kobido – reflexology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments are just a handful of what’s on offer. The cutting-edge gym has small group personal training sessions led by AMP coaches, and a Daniel Galvin Hair Salon ensures locks look as good as the swish surrounds. Plus, just opened is a new partnership with The London Regenerative Institute, for consultations with regenerative medicine practitioners for the likes of oxygen therapies and aesthetic treatments in a dedicated Lab Room. As for the rest of the hotel? Expect a wow-factor glass dome ceiling and Baccarat chandelier, two occasion restaurants – Kerridge’s Bar and Grill and European-style brasserie The Northall – sexy cocktail bar Velvet, and bedrooms that channel smart London residences, with leather furniture and Calacatta marble bathrooms. IB For a pampering getaway rooted in sustainability smarts, this eco-spa in the Pennines is the one to book. Housed inside a beautifully restored 20th-century textile mill in Huddersfield, it’s powered by solar photovoltaic roof panels and uses its own natural borehole for water. Single-use plastic is banned, appliances are energy-efficient, and Titanic is working towards becoming carbon neutral too. The well-equipped spa has a 15m indoor pool, given a gentle glow by blush rose lighting, as well as a heat and ice circuit, including herbal infusion and aromatherapy rooms, crystal steam bath, sauna, foot baths, ice room, plunge pool and experience showers – plus a sunken hot tub on the patio for outdoor soaks. While this isn’t a boutique experience (the spa can get quite busy), treatments – ranging from Decleor and Elemis facials and massages to reflexology, reiki and hopi ear candling – are spoiling, and there’s a beanbag-filled relaxation lounge to retreat to afterwards. Aparthotel-style accommodation – 33 contemporary-looking, one- or two-bed apartments (sleeping up to six with additional sofa beds) with kitchen-dining rooms – in the Titanic’s former mill makes self-catering a breeze. That said, there’s good grub on offer, with dishes at The Titanic Bistro – such as cumin spiced sweet potato and dal – made using seasonal, locally sourced, organic or Fairtrade ingredients. It’s hard to beat Titanic in terms of value for money; three-hour twilight packages start from £55pp. The £199 Green Futures package includes a £38 donation to a local charity that helps to empower young people to create positive environmental change. IB Price: Doubles from £189 B&B with spa access. Spa experiences from £45pp. The Green Futures package is from £199pp (Monday to Thursday, including meals, 25-minute body scrub and spa access) Book now Read more: This is what it’s really like on a silent meditation retreat – and it might terrify you This ritzy countryside crashpad meets 2500sq m spa opened in late 2021, and swiftly established itself as top of the list for many dedicated spa-goers. While the property’s Jacobean-style exterior is in keeping with its English countryside locale, with 40 acres of gardens next to Windsor Park, interiors are more-is-more opulent. Think mirrored corridors, a triple-height atrium, striking bar with a sunbeam ceiling pattern and a fine-dining restaurant – 1215 – adorned with hand-painted forest murals. The spa has more of a sanctuary feel, with silvery floral mosaic walls, a 20m indoor pool lined by waterside loungers, and tucked-back daybeds to curl up in. At one end, a Japanese Ashiyu foot ritual bath sits in a bower of everlasting cherry blossom, while, outside, there’s a courtyard hydro vitality pool – lovely during sunnier months. As well as a Himalayan salt room and thermal suite with Finnish sauna, steam room, ice fountain and hot tub, a relaxation room is kitted out with Aeyla weighted blankets to snuggle under. Other flashpoints include a six-person hammam, sports massage therapy, gym with reformer Pilates studio, padel and tennis courts and a cryotherapy chamber. As well as 18 rooms for treatments using Comfort Zone and Natura Bissé and La Sultane de Sabana products and Nailberry manicures. IB Another Surrey spa hotspot with oodles of facilities is long-established Pennyhill Park. Ringed by 120 acres of parkland, with a whopping 4,181sq m spa to explore – spa-ing here is a laid-back, all-day affair. As for swims, there’s a pic ’n’ mix of dipping possibilities – from an elegant 25m indoor pool in the columned ballroom, which has music piped underwater, to an 18m outdoor pool and indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, next to a trio of outdoor Canadian-style hot tubs. Another highlight is the fragrant thermal circuit, a mix of saunas, steam rooms and the like at varying temperatures, it includes a fig and vanilla-scented laconium, rose steam room and a Thai basil and eucalyptus-infused herbal sauna to warm up in, as well as drench buckets, an ice igloo, bracing plunge pool and bubbling foot spa. Despite there being 21 therapy rooms, it’s best to book ahead, as treatments are in hot demand, from Natura Bissé’s famed diamond energy facials to the pro-sleep ritual using warm oil applied in gentle brushstrokes. On the whole, the property’s 124 individually styled bedrooms are contemporary and colourful, the most plush have their own spa touches – a private cedar hot tub on the terrace, sunken Roman-style shower or copper roll-top tub. Pennyhill’s also a strong choice for foodie travellers, thanks to Michelin-starred Latymer restaurant, where Steve Smith magics up inventive, modern fine-dining in historic, oak-beamed surrounds. IB Read more: The best spas in Eastern Europe for an affordable, yet luxurious, break A haven for the wellness crowd, Calcot and Spa is replete with two buildings dedicated to fitness, recovery and relaxation. The spa and the Grain Store bookend the impressive Cotswolds manor house, fronted by a croquet lawn and leafy avenues to roll through on rented bikes. The classic country house hotel alone provides enough cosy nooks, green terraces and an excellent cafe, restaurant and bar in which to while away the hours, but you’d be remiss to swerve the spa and fitness centre as these facilities are perhaps most deserving of the awards the venue has won. The spa building houses a large heated pool, a traditional sauna and steam room, three beautiful relaxation rooms and individual treatment rooms These encircle a bright cafe with lofty ceilings and huge windows that look out at the star of the show – an outdoor hot tub banked by lavender and hydrangea bushes with a log fire offering the comforting scent of woodsmoke. Though if sipping your matcha latte with a view of the tub isn’t for you, there’s also a cosy library area offering views of the grounds in which to relax. Treatments are tailored to your individual needs – ideal for working out stressed muscles or topically treating skin concerns with a range of products from Comfort Zone and Caci. By contrast to the hyper-modern facilities, the rooms are refreshingly rustic. Exposed beams and farmhouse-style furniture provides a classic Cotswolds vibe to settle into. Designated family areas and individual cottagesque suites ensure total privacy and peace and quiet too. The Grain Store – a huge barn kitted out with dance, fitness and spin studios, a gym and cafe – is possibly the best hotel gym in the UK. With a giant gym floor lined with top-of-the-range Technogym machines and personal trainers on hand to offer assistance, fitness enthusiasts will not be disappointed. Classes here range from Pilates to boxfit and sound healing. Emilie Lavinia Price: Spa experiences from £110 pp. Book now If a ramble through an idyllic national park followed by a trip to a tepidarium sounds like your idea of a good time, Carey’s Manor blends the soothing art of the woodland walk with a fabulous mix of spa facilities. The 18th Century New Forest manor house boasts a great deal of character, complete with Victorian wood panelling and open fireplaces. Though be advised that many of the rooms and suites are housed in a modern annexe. Regardless, the rooms are comfortable and decked out to complement the hotel’s country heritage aesthetic. Many look out onto private gardens with individual terraces and booking a specialist package will see you greeted with a gift box of wellness products from the likes of Dirtea and Pure Earth and Scentered in your room. The SenSpa is laid out across two floors with an abundance of therapeutic rooms to suit all tastes. Guests can move between the herbal sauna, laconicum and tepidarium to a crystal steam room and sensory showers that mimic tropical rain and thunderstorms. Swimming pools and hydropools are banked by relaxation areas and treatment rooms – in which the best Thai massage to be found outside of Thailand can be booked at the spa reception. The gym is small but well equipped with a variety of machines and a separate fitness studio offers a bright space for yoga classes. These aren’t the only events on offer, though. Carey’s Manor offers sensehacking spa days, retreat weekends and an upcoming wellness festival in 2025. Though you could spend days enjoying all the spa has to offer, the surrounding woodland populated by wild ponies and winding trails is too good to be missed. The concierge team can help with wellingtons, picnics, walking maps and advice on the best walking routes. Beautiful dining areas, including a Thai restaurant, French brasserie and the Cambium restaurant serving locally-sourced fare and an impressive breakfast spread, provide an opportunity to refuel. Though of course, there is the option of a cream tea in the gardens between meals. EL Read more: Finding the secret to why Sardinians live to 100 Set in 12 acres of grounds, Sopwell House marries the classic features of an imposing Georgian manor with its spa’s ultra-modern architecture and facilities. The interiors are modern too, with comfortable rooms and cosy public sitting rooms decked out with plush velvet furnishings, ambient lighting and eclectic wallpapers. The Cottonmill spa is a warren of pools, saunas, steam rooms and treatment areas, all beautifully decorated. The spa areas can get very busy and you’ll likely find the small hydropool filled with people sipping bubbly. But for a little space, head outside through the novel glass pool door to enjoy the heated waters in the brisk air. The crystal steam room and panoramic sauna are also well worth visiting. Access to certain parts of the spa is reserved for those who’ve booked specific packages or rooms so bear this in mind when booking. However, a large swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna are available to all guests. If you’d like to make sure you nab a lounger or a seat by the fire in the more exclusive areas at Cottonmill, visiting during a weekday or off-peak hours is recommended because booking a particular package or room won’t guarantee you a space to sit down. Though with that said, there are some beautiful relaxation rooms away from the pool area. There’s an impressive treatment menu of advanced skincare and body treatments, from relaxing bespoke facials to recovery-focused massages. Therapists rely on Elemis and Aromatherapy Associates for soothing scents and hardworking results. The gym is excellent too and a hit with visiting football teams – one of the Sopwell’s corridors is lined with the shirts of players who frequent the hotel for a spot of R&R. For food and drink, guests can visit the brasserie, the Octagon bar and Omboo – an opulent pan-Asian restaurant. Breakfast is a fabulous serve-yourself spread with a range of healthy, continental and fully loaded options. The spa also houses the Pantry offering light lunches and drinks for those enjoying a spa day without the overnight stay. For those who are staying over, the rooms come equipped with a secret mini bar stocked with everything you’ll need to whip up a G&T whenever you fancy one. EL If the bracing draw of the outdoors is just as vital to your wellbeing as a dip in a heated pool, the location of your spa hotel will no doubt matter as much as its facilities. Perched within an estuary of the Irish sea, The Quay hotel and spa embraces the wilder aspects of wellness bearing witness to coastal winds and golden sunsets. The Welsh coastline offers beaches and hills for those keen to hit their 10,000 steps and the nearby marina provides a vista of bobbing boats and the soothing sound of lapping waves. The newly renovated spa is small but well equipped with a hi-tech infrared sauna, steam room and Himalayan salt room, along with footbaths, relaxation areas and a hydropool – the ideal recovery method after a long walk. Treatments, which are carried out in a separate wing, range from personalised massages to soothing facials with Oskia products. The gym is also very good, housed in the main hotel building with plenty of fitness machines and PTs on hand to help with your workout. The hotel itself offers spacious modern rooms and suites with large windows and balconies offering views of the estuary and marina. The decor isn’t a maximalist slap in the face – though if that’s your preference there are plenty of hotels on this list that offer more outlandish design features – it’s pared back, neat and comfortable with considered touches. Blue hues are a nod to the nautical and the stone-toned bathrooms are minimalist too. The Cove bar and Ebb and Flow restaurant are also in-keeping with The Quay’s seaside theme, serving up local flavours via an award-winning chef. You’ll also find Welsh ales on the drinks menu and an impressive wine list. Mornings are brightened by views of the historic Conwy Castle whilst enjoying a well-stocked buffet and à la carte breakfast menu. EL Read more: The best health and wellness retreats across Europe A manor house steeped in history, Seaham Hall houses eclectic rooms that have played host to the likes of Lord Byron before becoming wards for a military hospital and later, a secret whiskey dispensary. Today the Georgian manor house is the epitome of luxury, surrounded by grounds that meet the sea on the north east coast. Suites and the hotel’s self-contained lodges are plush, comfortable and offer every amenity – including super king beds, a pillow menu and private hot tubs with views of the North Sea. The Serenity Spa houses a 20-metre pool, Hammam, hydrotherapy and plunge pools and relaxation areas. There’s also a range of therapy rooms ranging from a salt sauna to a eucalyptus steam room. An ambient walkway over indoor ponds filled with fish leads the way from the main hotel to pools and treatment rooms where an Ishga seaweed wrap or hot stone massage come highly recommended. If the weather permits, the outdoor infinity hydropool and food terrace are worth spending a little time in too. Fitness fans will be pleased to hear that the Seaham Hall gym is expansive, offering a range of machines. There’s also a fitness studio with TechnoGym spin bikes and a host of classes to book, from HIIT to body pump. But if you’re more interested in food than fitness, you’ll eat well. The menu in The Dining Room is seasonal and locally sourced, inspired by what the north east has to offer, including beautiful views of the gardens. There’s also an alternative restaurant, Ozone, serving pan-Asian fare and excellent cocktails. EL Price: Spa experiences from £99pp. Book now

Court challenge over vote to extend post-Brexit trading arrangements dismissedLa Unidad de Hackers Éticos de Thales crea un metamodelo para detectar imágenes falsas generadas por IA

Rams offense is humming with good health, and it gave a stellar performance to upset Buffalo

The secret to making successful financial New Year’s resolutions

Christopher Luxon’s worst honeymoon of any elected Prime Minister - Richard Prebble

Arsenal up to second after Kai Havertz goal sees off struggling Ipswich

Police warn locals not to have 'that one extra' drink this New Year's EveA bid by The Onion satirical news outlet to buy Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform Infowars returned Monday to a Texas courtroom, where a judge heard arguments on whether a bankruptcy auction was properly run as Jones alleges collusion and fraud. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston is looking into the November auction and how a trustee chose The Onion over the only other bidder — a company affiliated with Jones that offered twice as much money as The Onion. The judge said the hearing would last into Monday evening and pick up again on Tuesday afternoon. The sale of Infowars is part of Jones' personal bankruptcy case , which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut. Jones repeatedly called the 2012 shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones' personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families to help satisfy judgments issued by juries and judges in state courts in Connecticut and Texas. Some proceeds will go to Jones' other creditors. The Onion, which wants to turn Infowars' website and social media accounts into parodies , offered $1.75 million for Infowars' assets in the auction, while First United American Companies — which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements — bid $3.5 million. The Onion's bid also included a pledge by many of the Sandy Hook families to forgo some or all of the auction proceeds due to them to give other creditors a total of $100,000 more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, chose The Onion, saying its proposal was better for creditors because they would receive more money. Joshua Wolfshohl, an attorney for Murray, told the judge Monday that no wrongdoing occurred during the auction. He called the complaints by Jones and First United American Companies unfounded. “The vast majority of their complaints are just fantastic, imagined conspiracy theories that have no basis in reality," he said. Jones' lawyer, Ben Broocks, questioned Murray's rationale for choosing The Onion and alleged that a recent deposition of the trustee showed improprieties. He also questioned the validity of The Onion's bid, saying it was technically valued at $7 million because of the incentive offered by the Sandy Hook families. An auction company executive involved in the sale testified most of the afternoon. In court filings, Jones and First United American Companies accused Murray, The Onion and the Sandy Hook families of illegally colluding on the bidding, committing fraud and violating the judge's rules for the auction. Murray, The Onion and the families deny the allegations. In his own court filing, Murray called the allegations “a disappointed bidder’s improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open auction process.” Up for sale at the auction were all the equipment and other assets in the Infowars studio in Austin, Texas, as well as its social media accounts, websites, video archive and product trademarks. Jones uses the studio to broadcast his far-right, conspiracy theory-filled shows on the Infowars website, his account on the social platform X and radio stations. Jones has set up another studio, websites and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. Jones has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him. Jones is appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments citing free speech rights but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened . On Friday, a Connecticut appeals court reduced by $150 million the original $1.44 billion judgment against Jones in the lawsuit against him in that state, but upheld the rest of the award. Jones' lawyer said he will ask Connecticut's highest court to review the appellate ruling. Jones is also appealing a $50 million judgment in a similar Texas defamation lawsuit.

Dubai [UAE], November 22 (ANI): Former Union Minister Smriti Irani launched the Indian People's Forum (IPF) Women Council at the India Club in Dubai on Friday. Irani said that the step is aimed at amplifying Indian women's voices in the UAE. Also Read | Hush Money Case: Judge Postpones US President-Elect Donald Trump’s Sentencing Indefinitely. "Empowering Women, Elevating Voices Delighted to launch the IPF Women Council at India Club, Dubai--a significant step by IPF UAE in amplifying the voices of Indian women in the UAE. This landmark initiative represents a renewed commitment to supporting Indian women in diverse fields and celebrating their incredible contributions globally," Irani wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/smritiirani/status/1859977079388872969 Also Read | France Shocker: Man Rapes Daughter For Years, Offers Her to Strangers For Sex; Sentenced to 20 Years in Jail. "My heartfelt compliments to the IPF family for their dedication to empowerment and for showcasing the vibrancy of Indian womanhood on the world stage. Wishing the Women Council immense success on this transformative journey!" she added. In a landmark gathering aimed at strengthening the historic ties between India and the UAE, Irani joined an exclusive roundtable discussion hosted by Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Government Executive Council, The roundtable, titled 'India-UAE Synergies: Exploring Strategic Market Opportunities in India', was held at Sheikh Rashid's residence and brought together prominent business leaders and investors from the UAE, as per the statement. https://x.com/smritiirani/status/1859899173291606369 The event, moderated by Ashwin Fernandes, author of MODIALOGUE: Conversations for a Viksit Bharat and Executive Director - Africa, Middle East, and South Asia at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, was designed to foster dialogue on economic collaboration between the two nations. The discussions revolved around India's rapid socio-economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the immense opportunities it presents for UAE-based Indian-origin businesses and investors. https://x.com/smritiirani/status/1859938498985484651 Highlighting the significance of the event, Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi remarked, "The UAE and India share an enduring partnership that has grown stronger with time, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared ambitions. This roundtable serves as a platform to explore the vast potential of this relationship, particularly in sectors like technology, renewable energy, and education, where collaboration can drive meaningful change," the statement quoted him as saying. Rashid, a progressive leader known for his contributions to urban planning, education, and youth empowerment, emphasised the importance of fostering innovation and strategic partnerships to achieve shared goals, as per the statement. As part of the event, Fernandes presented Rashid with a copy of his book, MODIALOGUE, exploring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's transformative governance. The book highlights Modi's vision as articulated through his Mann Ki Baat radio program, drawing connections to global principles of inclusivity and development, as per the statement. Reflecting on the India-UAE partnership, Smriti Irani said, "India and the UAE have always shared a unique relationship rooted in history and shared values. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India is a rising economic power and a beacon of innovation and progress. MODIALOGUE encapsulates this story, and events like these foster the collaboration needed to take our partnership to new heights." The event featured key Indian-origin UAE business leaders and investors, including Sajith Ansar (Founder and CEO, Idea Spice), Ruchi Dana (Board Member, Dana Group), Sanjay Parashar (Founder, Cocoona Clinics), Paras Shahdadpuri (Chairman, Nikai Group), Dr Moideen Thumbay (Founder and President, Thumbay Group), Shamsheer Vayalil (Chairman, Burjeel Holdings), and Nilesh Ved (Chairman, Apparel Group). Ashwin Fernandes, in his remarks, highlighted the shared vision of India and the UAE. "India's transformation is an inspiring narrative of progress, resilience, and inclusivity. The UAE has been a key partner in this journey, and this roundtable underscores our shared goals for a prosperous future." This roundtable in Ajman marks another milestone in the India-UAE partnership, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the relationship between the two nations. The event's success reinforces the importance of mutual dialogue in unlocking new opportunities and building bridges between two dynamic economies. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)