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☆ I built a 'tiny house' Airbnb hotel and sold it for $7 million. Here's why I decided to walk away when I did.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Charissa Cheong | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I sold the property, called Live Oak Lake, for $7 million in October 2023. Part of the reason I considered selling Live Oak Lake was because of the stress of running it. We listed Live Oak Lake for sale in the summer of 2022. AdvertisementSelling the property has alleviated my stressI think I sold Live Oak Lake at the right time. AdvertisementThe Live Oak Lake project was an amazing project, a baptism by fire in the realms of real estate, marketing, and hospitality.

Persons: Isaac French, Instagram Organizations: influencers, Business Locations: Texas, Nordic, Waco, Zillow, Instagram

☆ The election is over, but bettors are still wagering on these 8 political predictions
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Matthew Fox | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementPrediction markets made a splash during 2024 Presidential election. Billions of dollars were bet on the presidential election outcome via prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket this year. Here are some political bets to watch on Kalshi and Polymarket now that the presidential election is over. Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty ImagesCurrent odds: Yes (32¢), No (69¢)Betting volume: $285,843Trump ends Gaza war by first 100 days? Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty ImagesCurrent odds: Yes (47¢), No (54¢)Betting volume: $267,997

Persons: Kalshi, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Donald Trump's, Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Gretchen Whitmer, Pete Buttigieg, Andy Beshear, JD Vance, Anna Moneymaker, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump Jr, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Robert F, Kennedy, Kevin Dietsch, Elon Musk, Steve Bannon, Jared Kushner, Ben Carson, Ken Paxton, Betsy DeVos, Ivanka Trump, Oleg Petrasiuk, Matt Gaetz, Trump, Tom Williams, DOUG MILLS, Karoline Leavitt, Scott Jennings, Tucker Carlson, Alina Habba, Kari Lake, Peter Doocy, Johnnie Izquierdo, Mostafa Bassim Organizations: Democratic, Republican, Libertarian National Convention, RFK Jr, Trump, 24th Mechanised Brigade, AP, United, Trump's, Getty, George Washington University in, George Washington University in Washington DC Locations: Trump's, Ukraine, Florida, Gaza, George Washington University in Washington, Anadolu

Latino voters overall were more than a quarter of Arizona’s electorate — Gallego won them by 22 points while Harris carried them by 10 points. As for Latino men, Trump won them by 12 points nationally, marking a stunning 35-point swing from 2020 that powered him to victory in key states, according to NBC News' exit polls. But Gallego held his ground with Latino men, winning them by 30 points, exit polls showed. Men — Latino men — were feeling very insecure about their positions in the family because they wanted to make sure that they’re providers and providing security and economic security. He outperformed Harris among voters who cited the economy as their top concern, exit polls showed, and covered off the vulnerability that sank many Democrats, including Harris.

Persons: Ruben Gallego, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, — Gallego, Harris, Trump, Gallego, —, ” Gallego, Ariz, Mario Tama, ”, it’s, Republican Kari Lake, president’s MAGA, Biden, “, ” Trump, Lake hasn’t, isn’t, Kari Lake Organizations: WASHINGTON, Democratic, outperforming, NBC News, ”, Republican, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Trump, NBC, Democrat Locations: Arizona, Arizona’s, Guadalupe

The man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley has waived his right to a jury, paving the way for his bench trial, which is expected to begin Friday morning. Clark described Riley’s killing as a "crime of opportunity, where he saw an individual and bad things happened," and said the killing appeared to be a solo act. The University of Georgia said Riley had been a student through the 2023 spring semester before she transferred to Augusta University. At the time of Riley’s killing, Ibarra was living in an apartment complex less than a mile from the University of Georgia campus. Riley’s killing and Ibarra’s arrest set off a political firestorm, with Republicans, including Donald Trump, pointing to Riley’s death in calls for tougher border policies as part of a broader crackdown on immigration.

Persons: Laken Riley, Jose Antonio Ibarra, Tom, Prosecutors, Riley, Lake Herrick, Jeff Clark, Clark, Ibarra, Donald Trump, Riley's, Jason Riley Organizations: University of Georgia, NBC News Police, University Police, Augusta University College of Nursing's, Augusta University, U.S, NBC News Locations: Athens , Georgia, Lake, Athens, Augusta University College of Nursing's Athens, Venezuelan, El Paso , Texas

☆ Taiwan is fast becoming a hub for outdoor adventure and wellness seekers
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Joe Yogerst | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

But rather than one of the more obvious outdoor wellness and adventure hubs, it’s actually Taiwan. “Several factors have contributed to the rapid growth of outdoor sports in Taiwan,” says Kate Chen of the Taiwan Tourism Administration. “There was a huge spike in young adults wanting to go hiking or cycling.”But it’s not just locals discovering the island’s outdoor opportunities. Floating in the South China Sea between Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines, Dongsha Marine National Park offers an entirely different take on outdoor adventure. They also provide a venue for more than 100 nature trails that are part of a national trails network created in 2002.

Persons: CNN —, Topping, ”, Kate Chen of, Michael McCreesh, it’s, Krathon, Chen, Thao, Zhong, Nick Kembel, Taiwan's, “, There’s, Xiao Baiyue Organizations: CNN, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Taiwan, Wellness, Scenic Area, Recreation, Villa, Taiwan Music, Dongsha, Park, MTB, Taiwan Surf Travel, Amis Locations: Chile , New Zealand, California, it’s, Taiwan, Belgium, Massachusetts, Taroko, Te, lakeview, Taipei, Wulai, Neidong, Beitou, Kenting, Fuji, Canadian, South China, Hong Kong, Philippines, “, County, Hualien City

☆ Car owners claimed a bear trashed their Rolls-Royce. Insurers say it was fraud involving a person in a bear suit.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The California Department of Insurance said the "bear" was actually a person in a costume. AdvertisementFour Californians said a bear damaged their luxury car, but insurers have accused them of insurance fraud involving someone dressed in a bear costume. However, CDI investigators determined that the "bear" in the footage was actually a person wearing a bear costume, the press release said. Insurance fraud is a major issue in the US. According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, it costs the country over $300 billion annually.

Persons: —, — Ruben Tamrazian, Vahe Muradkhanyan, Alfiya Zuckerman —, Royce, Mark Friedlander, Friedlander Organizations: California Department of Insurance, Service, CDI, California Department of Fish, Wildlife, San Bernardino County, Coalition Against Insurance, Insurance Information Institute, Fox Business, US Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: California, Los Angeles, Ararat Chirkinian, Lake Arrowhead , California, San Bernardino, California , New York, Florida

☆ Disney is turning record parks profits — even before its big expansions
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Gary Hershorn | Corbis News | Getty ImagesAll is well in the Magic Kingdom. Experiences, which includes parks, resorts, cruises and consumer products, was the second-highest revenue driver behind Disney's entertainment division, which tallied $41.18 billion in fiscal 2024. "It's small things adding up to big things," said David Lightbody, senior vice president of Disney Live Entertainment. Limited time holiday merchandise available at Disney parks. A stunning firework show is held at the Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort on July 1, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Persons: Gary Hershorn, King Thanos, it'll, Gavin Doyle, Doyle, Mouse, Helene, Milton, David Lightbody, Lightbody, Lindsay Brookshier, Disney hasn't, Liao Pan Organizations: Magic, Walt Disney World, Corbis, Getty, Magic Kingdom, Disney, Big, Marvel, Epcot, Guardians, Falcon, Disney Live Entertainment, Walt Disney, Disneyland's, Pixar Fest, Medianews, Orange, China News Service Locations: Orlando , Florida, Magic, Florida, California, Hong Kong, Anaheim, Walt, Lake Buena Vista , Florida

☆ A Pennsylvania County and the Political Tensions in America
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Philip Montgomery | Michael Sokolove | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

Luzerne County is one of many counties in Pennsylvania — and across the country — that shifted to the right this year. Kevin Kraynak, a Luzerne County native, traveled from his home in California to try to get out the vote. Luzerne County became a hotbed of election denialism in 2020, and Pennsylvania is an open-carry state. Just over 152,000 total ballots were cast in Luzerne County — about the same as in 2020. In only one other Pennsylvania county were Trump’s gains greater.

Persons: Biden’s, Donald Trump, Dwayne McDavitt, Trump, Joe Biden, busloads, Democratic canvassers, Kevin Kraynak, “ I’m, ”, Jennifer Ziemba, “ We’re, MAGA, Philip Montgomery, ” Ziemba, “ I’d, Lee Ann McDermott, John, ” Constance Wynn, Wilkes, Wynn’s, Kim Pace, Harris, “, Dave Ragan, ” Pace, John McDermott, Lee Ann, McDermott, Hillary Clinton, “ He’s, ” Lee Ann, Jennifer Ziemba’s, Shelley Meuser, Dan Meuser, Terry Eckert, Adaíris Casado, —, ” Fredelina Paredes, Paredes, didn’t, Elizabeth Torrez, Torrez, Wadan Fernandez, Mr, ” Fernandez, ” Philip Montgomery Organizations: Trump, Amazon, Maxx, Democratic, Luzerne County Republican Party, Republican, The New York Times, “, Electoral, Luzerne County —, The New York, U.S . Army, Army Reserve, Iglesia, Hazleton Locations: Luzerne, Pennsylvania, Luzerne County, Wilkes, Barre, Scranton, Lackawanna County, California, Fort, Harveys Lake, state’s, Plains Township, Hazleton, Dominican Republic, United States

☆ Latino mobile home park residents denounce conditions, allege discrimination
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Albinson Linares | Albinson Linares Is A Reporter For Noticias Telemundo Based In Mexico City. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +13 min

The sewage is exposed to the air and causes a lot of nausea and headaches,” said Veronica Isabel Dahlberg, executive director of HOLA Ohio, a nonprofit group assisting Latino state residents, which has advised mobile home park residents who sued. It is very expensive,” said Yvonne Maldonado, a co-director of Manufactured Housing Action, a nonprofit group that focuses on such communities. “We have recently seen private equity enter the manufactured housing market," PESP housing research coordinator Madeline Bankson said. During hurricanes, the National Weather Service has said, 72% of deaths occur in homes, and of those, 54% occur in mobile homes. She also urged mobile home park residents to organize their communities and if there are complaints, to do it as a group, which is more effective.

Persons: Mariano Jacobo Piñón, ”, Vicente Hernández, Ricardo Rodríguez, Veronica Isabel Dahlberg, Mariano Jacobo Piñón's, ” Rodríguez, Melissa Solomon, Jones, Patrick J, Condon, Yvonne Maldonado, Maldonado, Ana Eugenia Báez, Báez, Andrea Chiriboga, Flor, Ascentia, Marko Vukovich, ” Vukovich, Esther Sullivan, Eva Marie Uzcategui, Madeline Bankson, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, John Fetterman, ” Shaheen, Banks, Juan Pablo Garnham, Garnham Organizations: Fairgrounds United, Perry Mobile Home, Noticias Telemundo, Jones Estates Fairgrounds, Jones Estates Perry LLC, Jones Estates, Department of Housing, Urban, Survey, Residents, People Center, Foxridge, Colorado Mobile, Private, University of Colorado, Home Parks, The Washington, Getty, Prosperity, Federal Housing Administration, “, Telemundo, Princeton, National Weather Service Locations: Lake County , Ohio, Mexico, Ohio, Hernández, Lake County, Mobile, U.S, New York, Colorado, Foxridge, Arapahoe County , Colorado, Denver, Sarasota , Fla, Sens

☆ In Italy, this 12th century castle is transforming into a luxury resort
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-13 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —For almost a millennium, the Castle of Antognolla has punctured a skyline of seemingly endless rolling forested hills. Rooms will offer a panoramic view of the site’s jewel in the crown, an 18-hole golf course with ambitions to break the Spanish and Portuguese hegemony over premier golf destinations on the continent. The castle offers a sweeping view of the golf course below and valleys beyond. In 1628, the estate was bought by nobleman Cornelio Oddi, who wished to make it a holiday resort. “They’re coming to Italy and then they see that there are good courses, and they decide to play golf.

Persons: Robert Trent Jones Jr, Saint Herculanus, Ruggero di Antognolla, Pope Boniface IX, bloodily, Cornelio Oddi, Agnelli, Antognolla, Burguière, year’s, Marco Simone Golf, ”, “, oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, ” Burguière Organizations: CNN, Fiat, Juventus –, Ventures Locations: Antognolla, Umbria, Perugia, Rome, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Grechetto, Gubbio, Marmore Falls, Europe

LVMH-owned luxury hospitality company Belmond will launch a luxury sleeper train next year that will take travelers through the countryside of England and Wales. The Britannic Explorer will run three itineraries: one to the southwestern county of Cornwall and the other to the opposite end of England through the Lake District of Cumbria in the north, while the third will journey though the country of Wales. All trips will start from London and run for three nights, with the England routes operating during the weekends (Fridays to Mondays) and the Wales route during the week (Monday to Thursday), allowing travelers to combine two journeys into one trip. Belmond operates several luxury hotels around the globe, including the famed Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Asia's Eastern & Oriental Express.

Organizations: Belmond, Orient, Oriental Express Locations: England, Wales, Cornwall, Lake District, Cumbria, London, Venice

☆ 5 areas outside the battlegrounds that show how Trump expanded his coalition: From the Politics Desk
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( The Politics Desk | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +10 min

In today’s edition, national political correspondent Steve Kornacki breaks down the blue areas across the country where Donald Trump expanded his coalition. These five jurisdictions help tell the story of where and how Trump expanded his coalition the most dramatically. When Trump ran in 2016, he was crushed in Lawrence, an old mill city on the Merrimack River, by 66 points. Trump transition watchPresident-elect Donald Trump is continuing the process of building out his administration, tapping allies for key posts. DeSantis does not have to listen to Trump, after the two men saw their relationship fray amid DeSantis’ national rise and his failed 2024 presidential campaign.

Persons: Steve Kornacki, Donald Trump, Matt Dixon, Trump's, Sen, Marco Rubio, Trump, Steve Kornacki Donald Trump, Biden, Harris, Loudoun, Democrats ’, Kristi Noem, Noem, Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Mike Waltz, Waltz, Christopher Wray, Wray, Kash Patel, Ron DeSantis, Lara, wouldn’t, Lara Trump, Trump’s, James Uthmeier, Commerce Wilbur Ross, Uthmeier, Read Organizations: NBC, White House, Capitol, Trump, Puerto Ricans, Puerto Rico, GOP, Democrats, Democratic, Republican, South Dakota Gov, Department of Homeland Security, Foreign Relations, Intelligence, Arkansas Gov, Russia, CIA, Trump’s Cabinet, Florida Gov, Senate, State Department, Commerce Locations: Florida, Osceola County , Florida, Orlando, Puerto, Trump’s, Trump’s Puerto Rican, Lawrence , Massachusetts, Massachusetts, Lawrence, Merrimack, Loudoun County , Virginia, Rockland County , New York, New York City, Rockland, America, McKinley County , New Mexico, McKinley, New Mexico, Marco Rubio of Florida, U.S, Israel, China, Ukraine, Matt Dixon TALLAHASSEE, Fla

Markku Jutila. The Houghton County Sheriff's Office began working with the Chicago Police Department on the matter. Case files from the original investigation were not available to authorities, the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office said. Investigators were able to piece together some of the case with the help of Michigan State Police, who located the adoption records for Markku Jutila. "Although no one will be prosecuted for Chester Alfred Breiney’s death, Chester may now rest in peace as the truth of his death is known," the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Persons: Markku, Markku Jutila, William, Hilja Jutila, Chester Alfred Breiney, Josephine Breiney, Chester Alfred Breiney’s, Chester Organizations: Ozaukee County Sheriff's, Facebook, Houghton County Sheriff's, Chicago Police Department, Sheriff's, Wisconsin's Department of Justice, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Sheriff’s, Michigan State Police, Authorities Locations: Mequon , Wisconsin, Ozaukee County, Houghton County , Michigan, Chicago, Michigan, Houghton County, Ozaukee, Wisconsin, Mequon, Chester, Port Washington , Wisconsin, St, Mary’s Parish, Lake Michigan

☆ Waymo opens robotaxis to anyone in Los Angeles, marking its largest expansion yet
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Jennifer Elias | Jennifer Covers Google Parent Company Alphabet Inc. | Silicon Valley Culture For Cnbc.Com In San Francisco. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Alphabet-owned Waymo is removing the waitlist for its self-driving service in Los Angeles, marking its largest expansion yet. With more than 3.8 million people, LA marks the third and largest city where the company’s robotaxi service is now fully available. “Now is an exciting time to welcome everyone in Los Angeles along for the ride,” Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said in a news release Tuesday. Waymo closed a $5.6 billion funding round in October to expand its robotaxi service across the U.S. Waymo in September announced that it partnered with Uber to launch its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in 2025.

Persons: Tekedra Mawakana, ”, Waymo, Andreessen Horowitz, Perry, Rowe Price, That’s, Uber, ” Waymo Organizations: U.S, Google, Fidelity, Tiger Global, Hyundai Locations: Los Angeles, LA, Los Angeles County, San Francisco, Phoenix, Waymo, Silver, Austin , Texas, Korean

☆ Wildfires burn in New York and New Jersey as red flag warnings are triggered across Northeast
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Weather conditions triggered red flag warnings in the northeast part of the United States as firefighters in California continued to battle a large wildfire that has burned over 20,000 acres. Much of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are under a red flag warning Tuesday due to dry and windy conditions. New York State parks employee battles a wildfire in Greenwood Lake, N.Y., on Nov. 10. Kyle Mazza / Anadolu via Getty ImagesCrews in New Jersey and New York were continuing to battle a wildfire in Passaic and Orange counties. Another fire in Passaic County, New Jersey, the Cannonball 3 Wildfire, was fully contained on Sunday, the state's forest fire service said.

Persons: Kyle Mazza, New Jersey Forest Fire Service —, Dave Celino, Celino Organizations: National Weather Service, U.S . Drought, University of Nebraska, Getty, New, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, NBC Boston, of Conservation, Recreation, California Department of Forestry, Cal Fire Locations: United States, California, New York , New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode, Boston, In New Jersey, Lincoln . New York State, Greenwood Lake, N.Y, Anadolu, New Jersey, New York, Passaic, Orange, Passaic County , New Jersey, In Massachusetts, Ventura County

Three U.S. airlines have suspended flights to Haiti after a Spirit Airlines jet was struck by gunfire. Some see Rubio as one of the “less MAGA” options but is still someone “Trump’s base could trust,” a Trump ally said. Trump’s first Cabinet pick was Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, to serve as ambassador to the United Nations. Hours later Trump announced his second Cabinet selection, former Rep. Lee Zeldin, to oversee the Environmental Protection Agency. The State Department is advising against travel to Haiti in the midst of violent political turmoil.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Patrick T, Fallon, Donald Trump’s, Sen, Marco Rubio, Rubio, ”, Trump’s, Elise Stefanik, Lee Zeldin, Zeldin, Joe Biden’s, Stephen Miller, Miller, Mike Waltz, Ruben Gallego, Republican Kari Lake, ➡️ Trump, Christopher Wray, ➡️, —, MAGA, “, Kayla Smith, Jillaine St.Michel, Rebecca Vincen, Brown, Julie Lyons, Emily Corrigan, Jennifer Adkins, Richard Allen, Crews, Aaron Rodgers, Peter Guo, Calpak, Elizabeth Robinson Organizations: Spirit Airlines, Getty, United Nations, The, Republican Conference, Trump, Environmental Protection Agency, Trump’s Cabinet, Green Beret, Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, Democratic, Republican, Senate, State Department, JetBlue, New York City, American Airlines, The State Department, Women, Center for Reproductive, East, New York Jets, Riding Army, NBC, Walmart, Casper Locations: U.S, Haiti, AFP, Marco Rubio of Florida, New York, Israel, Gaza, Florida, Afghanistan, East, Africa, He’s, Arizona, Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Port, Prince, Dominican Republic, Miami, Idaho, Portland , Oregon, Ada County, Indiana, Delphi, West, New Jersey, California, China, Kaifeng, Asia

PHOENIX — Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego will be Arizona’s first Latino senator next year, NBC News projects, after he defeated Republican Kari Lake amid a protracted vote count in one of the key swing states. Trump won the state in 2016 and won it again this year by what appears to be his biggest margin in any of the core swing states. But he kept his message homed on the issues behind those identities, linking them to border security, comprehensive immigration reform and expanded mental health services for veterans. Gallego focused on his party’s strengths, like reproductive rights, but he also tried to tackle his party’s weaknesses head-on, advertising on issues like border security. Lake tried to tie Gallego to Biden and his administration on a host of issues, but especially border security, a key focus of hers during their lone debate in October.

Persons: Ruben Gallego, Republican Kari Lake, Gallego, Sen, Kyrsten Sinema, Donald Trump, Trump, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, MAGA, Juntos Con Gallego, Biden, “ Trump, ”, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego Organizations: PHOENIX — Democratic, NBC News, Republican, Democratic, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Senate, Trump, Marine, Veterans, Juntos, Phoenix Mayor Locations: Arizona

☆ Panama Canal says shipping rebound is underway after record drought
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

watch nowAfter two years of record drought conditions amid a challenging El Nino weather system which decimated vessel transits, the Panama Canal is experiencing a trade rebound. The U.S. is the largest user of the Panama Canal, with total U.S. commodity export and import containers representing about 73% of Panama Canal traffic, and 40% of all U.S. container traffic traveling through the Panama Canal every year. Despite competition from the Suez Canal, Vásquez predicts that the Panama Canal will recover to pre-drought volumes, with a focus on larger vessels and energy-related trade. The Panama Canal drought began in late 2022 and was described as the worst in the canal's history by January 2024. The Panama Canal Authority reported a 29% drop in vessel transits during fiscal year 2024.

Persons: Ricaurte Vásquez, Vásquez Organizations: Panama Canal Authority, CNBC, Panama Canal, Maersk, Port, International Longshoremen's Association Locations: Nino, Panama, U.S, Gatun, Suez, Port of Panama, Asia, Gulf Coasts

☆ England’s first luxury sleeper train is a garden party on wheels
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

London CNN —Britain, birthplace of rail transport, will get its first ever luxury sleeper train touring England and Wales next summer. The 18 cabins, including three grand suites and 15 suites, will be of an exquisite opulence not before seen on Britain’s rails. The unique charm of train travel compared to other luxury transport options, however, is the sociability. The Cornwall itinerary, in England’s southwest tip, takes in the rugged coastline of Penzance and the charming villages surrounding Lostwithiel. The Lake District, regarded by many as England’s finest natural wonder, is filled with dramatic peaks and serene bodies of water.

Persons: Ottavia, Palomba, lounging, Simon Rogan, ”, Rogan, Richard Trevithick Organizations: CNN, London CNN, Wales, Albion Nord, Rail Locations: London, Britain, England, Cornwall, Lake District, Wales, Belmond, British, Victorian, Britain’s, South Wales, England’s, Penzance, Lake, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire

☆ Waymo opens robotaxi service to anyone in Los Angeles, marking its largest expansion yet
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Jennifer Elias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Alphabet -owned Waymo is removing the waitlist for its self-driving service in Los Angeles, marking its largest expansion yet. With more than 3.8 million people, LA marks the third and largest city where the company's robotaxi service is now fully available. "Now is an exciting time to welcome everyone in Los Angeles along for the ride," Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, said in a news release Tuesday. Waymo closed a $5.6 billion funding round in October to expand its robotaxi service across the U.S. Waymo in September announced that it partnered with Uber to launch its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in 2025.

Persons: Waymo, Andreessen Horowitz, Perry, Rowe Price, That's, Uber Organizations: U.S, Google, Fidelity, Tiger Global, Hyundai Locations: Los Angeles, LA, Los Angeles County, San Francisco, Phoenix, Waymo, Silver, Austin , Texas, Korean

☆ Americans are investing in ‘hurricane-resistant’ homes
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Oscar Holland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Although primarily interested in the homes' hurricane-resistant properties, Tener said he was also drawn to their panoramic views. A Deltec house on the hurricane-prone Tampa Bay in St Petersburg, Florida. But Linton believes only one of the approximately 3,000 Deltec homes built after the mid-1990s has ever suffered structural damage — during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Deltec says it also sells homes in areas not known for hurricanes, like this one on Lake Superior in Michigan. Courtesy Deltec“That 99.9% survival rate… looks at what we think of as the modern era, when we began focusing on designing these homes for hurricanes.

Persons: Gene Tener, Tener, Debby, Helene, “, ” Tener, Tammy, Gene Tener's, Jeff Hall, Michael, Steve Linton, ” Linton, Jeff Hall “, ”, Linton, ” Deltec’s, Deltec, —, Harvey, Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Hugo, Andrew Organizations: CNN, Washington Post Locations: , Florida, Crystal River , Florida, Crystal, Asheville , North Carolina, Tampa, St Petersburg , Florida, East Coasts, Florida , Louisiana , Texas, Mississippi, Rockport , Texas, prefabs, Bahamas, Florida, Hurricane, Superior, Michigan

☆ COP29: Why thousands are gathering around a rancid ‘dead whale’ by the Caspian Sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Laura Paddison | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —An enormous, rancid-smelling, 52-foot sperm whale has lain beached on the shoreline of the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest lake, since Monday. It’s a jarring sight; no sperm whales live in this vast body of water. “When we think the story is right, we pop up in a city,” said Bart Van Peel of Captain Boomer. The aim is to play with fact and fiction, to challenge people’s beliefs and make them think, Van Peel told CNN. So far, thousands of people have gathered to stare at the whale since it was installed early Monday morning, Van Peel said.

Persons: It’s, Boomer, ”, Bart Van Peel, Captain Boomer, Van Peel, Aziz Karimov, Adnan Hussein, ” Van Peel Organizations: CNN, UN, Reuters Locations: Azerbaijan’s, Baku, Belgian, Europe, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Turkey, Georgia

☆ Booker Prize 2024: Samantha Harvey’s space-station novel ‘Orbital’ wins annual literature award
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

London AP —British writer Samantha Harvey won the Booker Prize for fiction on Tuesday with “Orbital,” a short, wonder-filled novel set aboard the International Space Station that ponders the beauty and fragility of Earth. The prize is open to English-language writers of any nationality and has a reputation for transforming writers’ careers. De Waal praised the “crystalline” writing and “capaciousness” of Harvey’s succinct novel — at 136 pages in its UK paperback edition, one of the shortest-ever Booker winners. Harvey is the first female Booker winner since 2019, though one of five women on this year’s shortlist, the largest number in the prize’s 55-year history. Founded in 1969, the Booker Prize is open to novels originally written in English published in the UK or Ireland.

Persons: Samantha Harvey, Booker, Harvey, ”, Edmund de Waal, ” Gaby Wood, ” Harvey, Ian McEwan, Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, Hilary, Waal, Percival Everett, “ James, Twain’s, Huckleberry Finn ”, Jim, Rachel Kushner’s, Canadian Anne Michaels, Charlotte Wood’s, Yael van der, De Waal, Paul Lynch, ” Lynch Organizations: London AP, Space, Prize Foundation, Ireland Locations: British, Canada, United States, Australia, Netherlands, Canadian, London, Japan

☆ Wisconsin officials believe kayaker missing since summer faked his death and is in Europe
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Mirna-Alsharif-Byline-Jm.Jpg | Mirna Alsharif | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Ryan Borgwardt — a married father of two — went missing on Aug. 12 and his last known location was Green Lake, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said during a news briefing Friday. Deputies found a capsized kayak in the lake and Borgwardt's vehicle and trailer parked in Dodge Memorial County Park, Podoll said. Courtesy Green Lake County Sheriff's OfficePodol said the investigation took a turn when it was discovered that Borgwardt’s passport was “run” on Aug. 13., the day after he disappeared. "Due to these discoveries of the new evidence, we were sure that Ryan was not in our lake," Podoll said. Podoll said the investigation into Borgwardt's disappearance still has a lot of missing pieces, including a motive, and where he is right now.

Persons: Ryan Borgwardt —, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll, Podoll, Borgwardt's, Ryan Borgwardt, Podol, Borgwardt, Ryan Organizations: Green Lake County Sheriff, Dodge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security Locations: Wisconsin, Europe, Uzbekistan, Green Lake County, Dodge Memorial, Lake

☆ Historic drought fuels blazes across northeast as wildfires burn on both coasts
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Patrick-Smith-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Patrick Smith | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Firefighters from coast to coast are battling wildfires even as the country begins to prepare for the holiday season, with fires in New Jersey covering thousands of acres in tinderbox conditions created by a historic drought. It's inevitable that this fire is going to continue to burn up until it reaches our control line," New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said at a news conference Sunday. In New York State the total is 60 wildfires covering 2,100 acres in the same timeframe. One blaze, the Hill Fire in Burlington County, has been burning since July 5, he said. There was some rain across the tri-state area Sunday night, but less than half an inch, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly said.

Persons: Dariel Vasquez, Bill Donnelly, “, ”, we’ve, Donnelly, Mount Holly Organizations: Fire Department, York Parks, Ramapo High School, New, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Jersey Forest Fire Service, . New, . New Jersey Department of Environmental, Cross, U.S . Drought, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, National Weather Service Locations: New Jersey, California, Ventura County, Ventura, Sterling Forest, New York's Orange County, Passaic County , New Jersey, New York, Jersey, Evesham, N.J, ., . New Jersey, Warwick , New York, Cliff, Greenwood, Greenwood Lake, New York State, Burlington County, Mount, Philadelphia

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