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A food market Penn Way, co-owner of Barco Provisions, visited on his 2014 trip to Vietnam. Penn Way photo Nestled on Main Street in Damariscotta, Barco Provisions opened its doors last week. Jamie and Pennington “Penn” Way, co-owners of Sea Smoke Shop, were inspired to launch the new global market after traveling extensively throughout their lives. The shelves feature products from 15 countries, such as balsamic vinegar from Italy, fish sauce from Vietnam and fermented bean paste from Taiwan, and there are plans to expand to 20. Tantan Xiang chopped red chili. Penn Way photo Locals can find tinned fish from Spain, Portugal and Norway; unique Oreo cookie flavors; and cucumber-flavored Lay’s Potato Chips. For holiday shoppers looking to gift ancient traditions this year, imported panettone, hand-painted ceramics and olive oil soaps from Middle Eastern producers may be the perfect choice. Think H Mart meets World Market — a wide selection of curated goods. “These products fill a niche,” Penn said. “And lately, they’ve become a phenomenon.” He mentioned Shin Ramyun, the spicy Korean instant noodle that has quickly become a staple in college dorm rooms, viral TikTok videos and bodegas. Mainers who can’t attend a soccer game in Germany or visit the Piazza San Marco in Venice can now eat their way around the world — or at least, that’s the aim. For example, consider chopped chili peppers. To enhance a dish, locals can select Tantan Xiang chopped red chili (壇壇鄉 精製剁辣椒) from China or Delizie Di Calabria crushed Calabrian chili peppers from Italy. Penn has a few favorite items, such as Tsurubishio aged soy sauce (-4年熟成二段仕込み醤油「鶴醤) from Japan. There are also more exclusive offerings, like one sauce from Red Boat. T he Vietnamese business recently collaborated with Chef Tue Nguyen, a TikTok star, to create a fish jus from a single barrel in Phy Quoc, so when it’s gone, it’s gone. Penn and Jamie Way debut Barco Provisions, a procurement of Sea Smoke Shop, in downtown Damariscotta. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record The vacant Barco Provisions storefront at 95 Main St. in Damariscotta on Nov. 5. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record Before it became Barco Provisions, the shop was known as Wicked Scoops, a hot spot where locals could enjoy frappes and sundaes made with Gifford’s Ice Cream. Managing a family and two small businesses became overwhelming for the Ways. After five years, they paused, focusing on the Sea Smoke Shop and devising a new plan. Inside the Sea Smoke Shop in downtown Damariscotta on Nov. 19. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record Sea Smoke, a heady seaside store since 2016, offers glass pieces from American artists across 37 states and vintage ashtrays, quality grinders and cannabis-related tools. Penn noted that Sea Smoke customers seeking guidance several times a week will ask for his help. He personalizes the experience by sending photos and exchanging feedback to find the “perfect” product, an approach he hopes to bring to Barco Provisions. “The space sat empty for a while,” Penn said. “We chose to focus on what we know: travel. This December, I will visit my 44th country, and this shop is a collection of my favorite things from a lifetime of adventures.” The winding streets of Italy from Penn Way’s visit in 2024. Penn Way photo Upon entering, a tiki bar serves as a cash register, evoking the vibe of a Caribbean vendor’s market. Interestingly enough, operations are quite similar. All items are priced in cash to keep costs below MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) and avoid transaction fees. Most products range from $3-$20, with some vintage finds that Penn claims are still discounted. “I bypass the wholesaler and buy directly from producers,” Penn said. “The goal is to make these goods available for everyone — without them having to travel to find them.” Don’t know how to use smoked paprika, Sicilian white peach jam or Szechuan bean sauce? No problem — the Ways offer recipes for many of the in-store ingredients. “I love spaghetti alla puttanesca,” Penn said. “Many different versions exist, but my favorite recipe uses a can of San Marzano tomatoes. Customers can pick it up, and voilá — it yields two full servings for leftovers.” Locals can expect unique Oreo cookie flavors and cucumber-flavored Lay’s Potato Chips at Barco Provisions. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record On Nov. 15, Barco Provisions held its grand opening, which attracted many visitors and somewhat depleted the store’s supply. Penn is connecting with distributors this weekend to ensure a restock. “Everything we offer rotates,” said Penn, adding that customers can expect changes each month. “There are limited edition and seasonal items that will no longer be available once they are sold out. Core items near and dear to us will always remain in stock.” While the Way’s travels inspire most products, many are also recommended by professional culinary friends to keep the selection exciting when the couple isn’t traveling. In addition to snacks and cooking ingredients, Barco Provisions offers postcards, eco-friendly canvas bags, Tunisian bowls, martini glasses and vintage ice buckets as gifts. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record Penn participated in study abroad programs as a teenager, graduating high school early to spend six months in Spain and attending a three-month language-development summer program. This sparked his lifelong passion for travel, teaching English abroad and living in locations from Costa Rica to various European towns. “I still remember carrying a Ziploc full of stationery as a kid,” Penn said. “Sending notes back home meant so much to me. It’s still a great way to connect with loved ones, so we sell vintage airmail envelopes.” In addition to snacks and cooking ingredients, postcards, eco-friendly canvas bags, Tunisian bowls, martini glasses and vintage ice buckets are available as gifts. Barco Provisions is located at 95 Main St. in Damariscotta and is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, or follow along on Instagram @Barcomaine to learn about upcoming pop-up events. Note that next week, Penn hopes to have gift cards ready for holiday shoppers. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousIf you’re new to snowboarding, you may not realize the importance of a solid pair of snowboard bindings. In reality, this piece of gear does more than just secure your boots to the snowboard. Bindings are responsible for transferring the power from your legs to the board, allowing improved control and comfort. A quality pair of bindings could last for years, so the decision to buy is a big one. For snowboard bindings that are durable, lightweight and comfortable, check out the BURTON Malavita Snowboard Bindings . Some snowboard bindings are better suited for certain riding styles. Consider how you plan to use your snowboard before settling on a specific pair of bindings. If you’re not sure, try renting some gear for a day and see how the bindings feel on the slopes. Many snowboard manufacturers include a 1 to 10 flexibility rating with their bindings. A high number indicates stiff bindings, while a low number is assigned to bindings that are particularly soft and flexible. Most snowboard bindings have straps that secure the ankle and toe sections of your boots to the board. The ankle straps keep you in a flexible yet fixed position when you lean forward onto your toes, while the toe straps keep your feet in place when you lean back. Padding is used on snowboard bindings to absorb some of the shock caused by bumpy runs. Think about your riding style when deciding how much padding you need. Mounts secure the bindings to the board. You can use mounting screws to attach the bindings and adjust the foot positioning to your preference. Just like a snowboard, snowboard bindings come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. If you want a cohesive look, pick out bindings that match the rest of your gear. When shopping for snowboard gear online, try to purchase from well-known brands like Burton, Salomon or Rossignol. Cheap snowboard bindings from an obscure manufacturer might be tempting, but you could find yourself with an inferior product once you hit the slopes. The cost of snowboard bindings can vary depending on the brand name and the quality of the parts. Beginner and intermediate snowboarders can expect to pay around $100-$250 for a quality pair of bindings, while advanced snowboard bindings regularly exceed $300. A. Most snowboard bindings are sold in two to five size options. Look at the model’s sizing chart and compare it with your boot size to find bindings that fit you. A. Yes. Although there are women’s snowboard bindings that advertise particular design features, snowboard bindings are universal. This means you can choose any pair you want, as long as they’re the right size. BURTON Malavita Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: Despite being advertised as men’s snowboard bindings, these bindings use advanced technology to deliver quality support and performance for any rider. What you’ll love: Backed by Burton’s legendary reputation, these snowboard bindings offer an advanced level of performance, control and comfort in a stylish package. The padding has a gel to absorb extra shock, and the bindings come in five color options. What you should consider: These bindings might be too expensive for beginner and intermediate riders. Salomon Pact Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: These versatile bindings are durable and affordable enough for almost any rider. What you’ll love: A solid choice for beginners, these snowboard bindings have a rear-entry design with high-quality straps for fine adjustments. Many users note their durability and comfort during long days of riding. What you should consider: These bindings have a limited number of size options, and the mounting discs may not attach to every board type. BURTON Grom Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: Designed for kids and small snowboarders, these popular bindings have a solid construction and reasonable price tag. What you’ll love: Perfect for young riders hitting the slopes for the first time, these beginner bindings are compatible with most snowboard mounting systems and feature a single-component baseplate for consistent control and responsiveness. They’re also available in two sleek color options, black and white. What you should consider: Some users questioned the quality and longevity of the bindings’ highback. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.Article content Almost half of Americans, most Canadians and many Europeans are in various stages of disbelief, grief, outrage and fear because Donald J. Trump decisively won the U.S. election. They need to get over it for their psychological health and the good of their countries. While a post-election sex strike is as credible as threats to leave the country, if Americans did flee to Canada they would be more welcome without the threat of Lysistrata. Recommended Videos Democrats would be ill-advised to try again to destroy Trump’s capacity to govern with false accusations of foreign influence and criminality. Democrats should learn from their defeat and put the country over the party. That would be better for democracy and the future of the Democratic Party. Fevered warnings about fascism and the end of constitutional democracy did not resonate beyond those afflicted with the Trump Derangement Syndrome who are blaming each other as well as poor messaging, Russian interference and misguided or even bigoted voters, especially Latinos, black men and white women – anything but their policies. Critically, Harris did not convincingly respond to voters’ substantive concerns – inflation, especially the cost of food, energy and housing, stagnant personal earnings growth, ten million illegal immigrants, homelessness, crime and a weak foreign policy. Also, the Biden/Harris government alienated many Americans with elitist and illiberal cultural obsessions and fringe woke fetishes, like biological men competing against women and transitioning teenage girls, captured by the slogan “She’s for they/them, he’s for you.” Liberals are making the same mistake as Democrats – trying to engender fear of Pierre Poilievre who allegedly represents a Trump-like threat to democracy and the Canadian way of life. It will fail because it mischaracterizes Poilievre, a caring a middle-class family man whose common sense message of competent government and pride in Canada and its core values resonates across the country with all socio-economic and cultural groups. It is also a dangerous tactic because the Canadian government has an overarching need to get along with the new Republican Administration, a task made more difficult by the obvious contempt several Liberal cabinet ministers have for the incoming President, including Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland. Not surprisingly, Trump does not like her or Justin Trudeau, whom he called ‘weak’ and a ‘far left lunatic’. Trump is likely to work more collegially with a Conservative government than one mired in socialism, climate alarmism, woke ideology and insufferable virtue signalling. Furthermore, Trudeau’s own legacy is replete with authoritarianism and disrespect for parliamentary democracy. The most egregious example is the invocation of the draconian Emergencies Act and freezing of over 400 bank accounts and Bitcoin wallets, which the Federal Court found to be unreasonable and ultra vires. Trudeau interfered in the justice system by personally pressuring Jody Wilson-Raybould, the Justice Minister and Attorney General, to intervene in criminal proceedings against SNC Lavalin. He prorogued Parliament in the midst of the WE scandal. He did little to counter hostile foreign interference in Canada’s elections, defence and national security and then tried to cover up his inaction. Numerous factors caused the Liberal collapse in the polls, starting with antipathy to Trudeau personally. They include a weak economy, inflation, a stagnant standard of living, high taxes, especially the hated carbon tax, unaffordable housing for first-time buyers, a surge in violent crime, unsustainable immigration, hostility to resource development, identity politics, antipathy to Canada’s history and traditions, western Canadian alienation and the rise of the Parti Québécois. Rather than learn from the Democratic debacle, Trudeau seems oblivious to the real issues Canadians care about as he heads down the road to electoral obliteration. – Joe Oliver was the Minister of Natural Resources and Minister of Finance in the government of Stephen Harper
'Terror and fear': Elon Musk opens government workers to harassment after id'ing them on XLudhiana: A burglar broke into a residence in Labour colony of Jawahar Nagar and stole cash and gold items. The family had recently celebrated a wedding, which explained the presence of gold ornaments in the house. The incident occurred when the family was away. When the family returned on Friday afternoon, they discovered their house had been burgled and valuables missing. Sahil Kumar, a newlywed, reported that gold worth Rs 4 lakh and cash had been stolen. tnn We also published the following articles recently Gold ornaments worth lakhs snatched from jeweller In a brazen daylight robbery, two motorcycle-riding thieves snatched a bag containing over 500 grams of gold ornaments, worth lakhs, from a jewelry shop owner in Rayagada district, Odisha. The incident occurred Monday morning as the owner, Santosh Kumar Sahoo, was preparing to open his shop. 21 lakh cash, jewelry stolen during wedding During a wedding ceremony in Lucknow on Monday, a bag containing Rs 18 lakh in cash and Rs 3 lakh worth of jewelry was stolen. The groom's father, Sanjay Baijal, filed a complaint alleging the lawn manager and staff orchestrated the theft. The bag, which also contained a Samsung phone, was taken from a sofa around 11 pm. Maharashtra CM swearing-in: Rs 12 lakh worth gold chains, phones stolen at Azad Maidan During the recent swearing-in ceremony of Maharashtra's chief minister and deputy chief ministers at Azad Maidan, valuables worth Rs 12.4 lakh were stolen amidst a crowd of thousands. Despite a 4,000-strong police presence, thieves targeted attendees exiting through gate 2, making off with gold chains, mobile phones, and wallets. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
1 2 Chandrapur: Lloyds Metals and Engineers Ltd, in partnership with Lloyds Infinity Foundation, on Thursday launched two fully equipped ambulances as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The ambulances, classified as Type B and Type C, aim to provide critical medical transport and emergency care to underserved communities, aligning with the foundation's mission of improving healthcare access and quality of life. These ambulances will ensure 24x7 availability for emergencies, bridging healthcare gaps in the area. The inaugural ceremony held in Ghugus was presided over by sub-divisional officer Jernath Chandra, alongside other key dignitaries including district civil surgeon Dr Mahadev Chincholkar. Company representatives emphasised their commitment to societal welfare. Senior vice-president of company Prashant Puri highlighted the ethos of ‘service to humanity' in is address. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .
Chinese fireworks again found in North Indian StatesHAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AmpliTech Group, Inc. AMPG AMPGW)) (the "Company"), a designer, developer, and manufacturer of state-of-the-art signal processing components for satellite, Public and Private 5G, and other communications networks, including the design of complete 5G/6G systems and a global distributor of packages and lids for integrated circuits assembly, today announced it has closed on its previously announced registered direct offering for the sale of 1,603,259 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) ("the Securities") at an offering price of $0.92 per share. The gross proceeds to the Company from the registered direct offering were approximately $1,475,000 before deducting the placement agent's fees and other offering expenses. Maxim Group LLC acted as the sole placement agent in connection with the offering. The Securities were offered pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-278657), which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on April 24, 2024. The offering was made only by means of a prospectus supplement that forms a part of such registration statement. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sales of these Securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. A prospectus supplement relating to the Securities offered in the registered direct offering was filed by the Company with the SEC. Copies of the prospectus supplement relating to the registered direct offering, together with the accompanying prospectus, can be obtained at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or from Maxim Group LLC, 300 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Syndicate Department, or via email at syndicate@maximgrp.com or telephone at (212) 895-3500. About AmpliTech Group AmpliTech Group, Inc., comprising five divisions—AmpliTech Inc., Specialty Microwave, Spectrum Semiconductors Materials, AmpliTech Group Microwave Design Center, and AmpliTech Group True G Speed Services is a leading designer, developer, manufacturer, and distributor of cutting-edge radio frequency (RF) microwave components and 5G network solutions. Serving global markets, including satellite communications, telecommunications (5G & IoT), space exploration, defense, and quantum computing, AmpliTech Group is committed to advancing technology and innovation. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are "forward-looking statements" including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements and information related to, among other things, statements regarding the Company, its business plan and strategy, and its industry. Such forward statements include, but are not limited to, that the booking of orders and anticipation of booking of orders, including LNB and 5G products and Fujitsu Spain, will lead to sales of products, These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events based on information currently available and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including risks related to market conditions, and other risks described in the Company's filings with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contacts: Corporate Social Media Twitter: @AmpliTechAMPG Instagram: @AmpliTechAMPG Facebook: AmpliTechInc Linked In: AmpliTech Group Inc Investor Social Media Twitter: @AMPG_IR StockTwits: @AMPG_IR Company Contact: Jorge Flores Tel: 631-521-7831 Investors@amplitechgroup.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020Rates of depression and suicide remain high and are major concerns in a survey of a five-county area that includes Lewis and Clark County. Access to health care is limited due to long wait times, limited providers and limited insurance coverage. Substance use is also a top concern, with relatively high rates of binge drinking and tobacco use. The alcohol-related mortality rate has increased significantly in recent years and substance use among youth has decreased. These are some of the findings from the released Friday by the Healthy Together Steering Committee, which includes Lewis and Clark Public Health, Rocky Mountain Development Council, the United Way of the Lewis & Clark Area, St. Peter’s Health and PureView Health Center. The assessment, done every three years, looks at the community’s health status to identify top priorities and address the most pressing needs, the committee said in a news release. This includes future programming, policies and resource allocation, ensuring that support is directed where it is needed most. They said the effort involves multiple sectors, with input from organizations, health professionals and hundreds of residents. The committee collaborated in June with Broadwater, Meagher, Jefferson and Powell counties to do a multi-county door-to-door survey in which they said they knocked on 838 doors and 339 people answered questions, according to the 95-page report now posted at . The assessment has three components. The first is a community health survey, which asks residents about their personal health challenges, perceptions of the county’s most significant health concerns, and strengths that should be used. The second, key informant surveys, gets insight from professionals often on the front lines of health service delivery. This helps the panel understand systemic issues and gaps in services, as well as ways to improve. The third is the secondary data analysis, which uses local, state and federal data sources to monitor health outcomes and trends, such as disease prevalence, risk behaviors and social determinants of health. This information gives a broader context. “Together, these data sources provide a well-rounded understanding of where the community’s most significant health challenges lie and where resources should be concentrated,” the committee said in a news release. Among the findings, the assessment noted the incidences of male prostate cancer, mortality rates of colon cancer and percentage of residents diagnosed with diabetes has increased. Female breast cancer mortality rate has decreased. Emergency department visits for heart disease have increased, with no major changes in mortality rate. The study notes the suicide rate has increased from 24 per 100,000 in 2017-2019 to 26 in 2020-2022. Binge drinking also increased from 16.6% in 2017-2019 to 20.2% in 2020-2022, the assessment notes. “Efforts to address risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity and diet remain vital to reducing these rates and improving quality of life,” the report finds. In terms of health care, they said provider-to-population ratios are better than state and national averages in our county, but access issues persist. “Many residents report delays in care due to long wait times, insurance coverage limitations, and transportation barriers, especially in rural areas,” the assessment states. It also notes that lack of access to dental care, particularly due to a lack of providers accepting Medicaid, is a major barrier. They said 80% of surveyed residents this year rated their health as “good” or “excellent.” There were 94% who feel generally safe within their community. It found that 91% believe the community is a good place to raise children and 88% think their community is a good place to grow old. In their closing remarks, the panel said the study notes “the profound challenges our community faces” such as increasing costs in housing, high suicide rates and substance use, barriers to health care access and “disparities in the vital conditions for well-being.” But they said it also highlights “our incredible strengths: the resilience of our neighbors, the collaboration of organizations, and the shared belief that every person deserves to live in a community that supports their health and aspirations." The assessment lays the groundwork for the Community Health Improvement Plan, which goes from identifying priorities to developing possible strategies and goals, officials said. Those meetings will begin in January and the public may participate.
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Kawhi Leonard is close to returning for the Los Angeles Clippers. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are further away from returning to the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams will continue without key players when they meet Monday night in New Orleans. Leonard hasn't played this season because of knee inflammation, but he returned to practice more than a week ago and reportedly could play as soon as Jan. 4, though he won't be on the Clippers' three-game trip that begins in New Orleans. The Clippers also played without Terance Mann (finger), Kevin Porter Jr. (illness) and Kobe Brown (back) in their most recent game, a 102-92 home victory against Golden State on Friday. In the absence of the six-time All-Star, Los Angeles has compiled the fifth-best record in the Western Conference (tied with the crosstown Lakers). Head coach Tyronn Lue said believing that they can win without Leonard has been "half the battle." "When you step on the floor, no matter who's on the court, having that mindset that we can win games has been our model for the last five years or so," Lue said. "We talked about just holding it down until Kawhi was able to get back, and our group has been doing a good job of that." The Clippers had six double-figure scorers against Golden State, led by 26 points from Norman Powell, who has emerged as the team's leading scorer (24.2) in Leonard's absence. Center Ivica Zubac had his seventh straight double-double (17 points, 11 rebounds). They built a 21-point lead, watched the short-handed Warriors get within three with 2:30 left, then held on. Los Angeles committed 12 of its 23 turnovers in the fourth quarter. "It was a big win for us however you look at it," Lue said. "In three days, though, I won't remember how we won. I'll just know that it was a W." The Pelicans would be happy with any kind of win after losing their last nine games and 18 of their last 19. And no return date has been set for either of the team's top two players. Williamson has missed 26 games and Ingram has missed 14. New Orleans has not led in either of its last two games -- home losses against Memphis (132-124) on Friday and Houston (128-111) the night before. "(We have to) try to execute from the beginning, play hard from the beginning so we aren't always playing out of a hole," said forward Trey Murphy III, who led the Pelicans with a season-high 35 points against the Grizzlies. Murphy is averaging a career-best 20.2 points per game and he has averaged 26.2 in the last five games. He is New Orleans' most prolific 3-point shooter, but in the absence of Williamson and Ingram he has had to expand his scoring repertoire. "(Against Memphis) he played the right way the whole game," coach Willie Green said of Murphy. "When the ball came to him, he made good plays. He was solid, he shot the cover off the ball. He got to the basket, he got to the free-throw line. This is a great opportunity for Trey, and he took complete advantage of it." --Field Level MediaDemocrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contest
The Stock Surge You Can’t IgnoreFormer Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passes away at 92The people that president-elect Donald Trump has selected to lead federal health agencies in his second administration include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All of them could play pivotal roles in fulfilling a new political agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans' health — from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. And if Congress approves, at the helm of the team as Department of Health and Human Services secretary will be prominent environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. By and large, the nominees don't have experience running large bureaucratic agencies, but they know how to talk about health on TV . Centers for Medicare and Medicaid pick Dr. Mehmet Oz hosted a talk show for 13 years and is a well-known wellness and lifestyle influencer. The pick for the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Marty Makary, and for surgeon general, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, are frequent Fox News contributors. Many on the list were critical of COVID-19 measures like masking and booster vaccinations for young people. Some of them have ties to Florida like many of Trump's other Cabinet nominees: CDC pick Dr. Dave Weldon represented the state in Congress for 14 years and is affiliated with a medical group on the state's Atlantic coast. Nesheiwat's brother-in-law is Rep. Mike Waltz , R-Fla., tapped by Trump as national security adviser. Here's a look at the nominees' potential role in carrying out what Kennedy says is the task to “reorganize” agencies, which have an overall $1.7 billion budget; employ 80,000 scientists, researchers, doctors and other officials; and affect the lives of all Americans. The Atlanta-based CDC, with a $9.2 billion core budget, is charged with protecting Americans from disease outbreaks and other public health threats. Kennedy has long attacked vaccines and criticized the CDC, repeatedly alleging corruption at the agency. He said on a 2023 podcast that there is "no vaccine that is safe and effective,” and urged people to resist the CDC's guidelines on if and when kids should get vaccinated . Decades ago, Kennedy found common ground with Weldon , the 71-year-old nominee to run the CDC who served in the Army and worked as an internal medicine doctor before he represented a central Florida congressional district from 1995 to 2009. Starting in the early 2000s, Weldon had a prominent part in a debate about whether there was a relationship between a vaccine preservative called thimerosal and autism. He was a founding member of the Congressional Autism Caucus and tried to ban thimerosal from all vaccines. Kennedy, then a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, believed there was a tie between thimerosal and autism and also charged that the government hid documents showing the danger. Since 2001, all vaccines manufactured for the U.S. market and routinely recommended for children 6 years or younger have contained no thimerosal or only trace amounts, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine. Meanwhile, study after study after study found no evidence that thimerosal caused autism. Weldon's congressional voting record suggests he may go along with Republican efforts to downsize the CDC, including to eliminate the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, which works on topics like drownings, drug overdoses and shooting deaths. Weldon also voted to ban federal funding for needle-exchange programs as an approach to reduce overdoses, and the National Rifle Association gave him an “A” rating for his pro-gun rights voting record. Kennedy is extremely critical of the FDA, which has 18,000 employees and is responsible for the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs, vaccines and other medical products — as well as overseeing cosmetics, electronic cigarettes and most foods. Makary, Trump’s pick to run the FDA, is closely aligned with Kennedy on several topics . The professor at Johns Hopkins University who is a trained surgeon and cancer specialist has decried the overprescribing of drugs, the use of pesticides on foods and the undue influence of pharmaceutical and insurance companies over doctors and government regulators. Kennedy has suggested he'll clear our “entire” FDA departments and also recently threatened to fire FDA employees for “aggressive suppression” of a host of unsubstantiated products and therapies, including stem cells, raw milk , psychedelics and discredited COVID-era treatments like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. Makary's contrarian views during the COVID-19 pandemic including the need for masking and giving young kids COVID vaccine boosters. But anything Makary and Kennedy might want to do when it comes to unwinding FDA regulations or revoking long-standing vaccine and drug approvals would be challenging. The agency has lengthy requirements for removing medicines from the market, which are based on federal laws passed by Congress. The agency provides health care coverage for more than 160 million people through Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, and also sets Medicare payment rates for hospitals, doctors and other providers. With a $1.1 trillion budget and more than 6,000 employees, Oz has a massive agency to run if confirmed — and an agency that Kennedy hasn't talked about much when it comes to his plans. While Trump tried to scrap the Affordable Care Act in his first term, Kennedy has not taken aim at it yet. But he has been critical of Medicaid and Medicare for covering expensive weight-loss drugs — though they're not widely covered by either . Trump said during his campaign that he would protect Medicare, which provides insurance for older Americans. Oz has endorsed expanding Medicare Advantage — a privately run version of Medicare that is popular but also a source of widespread fraud — in an AARP questionnaire during his failed 2022 bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania and in a 2020 Forbes op-ed with a former Kaiser Permanente CEO. Oz also said in a Washington Examiner op-ed with three co-writers that aging healthier and living longer could help fix the U.S. budget deficit because people would work longer and add more to the gross domestic product. Neither Trump nor Kennedy have said much about Medicaid, the insurance program for low-income Americans. Trump's first administration reshaped the program by allowing states to introduce work requirements for recipients. Kennedy doesn't appear to have said much publicly about what he'd like to see from surgeon general position, which is the nation's top doctor and oversees 6,000 U.S. Public Health Service Corps members. The surgeon general has little administrative power, but can be an influential government spokesperson on what counts as a public health danger and what to do about it — suggesting things like warning labels for products and issuing advisories. The current surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, declared gun violence as a public health crisis in June. Trump's pick, Nesheiwat, is employed as a New York City medical director with CityMD, a group of urgent care facilities in the New York and New Jersey area, and has been at City MD for 12 years. She also has appeared on Fox News and other TV shows, authored a book on the “transformative power of prayer” in her medical career and endorses a brand of vitamin supplements. She encouraged COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, calling them “a gift from God” in a February 2021 Fox News op-ed, as well as anti-viral pills like Paxlovid. In a 2019 Q&A with the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation , Nesheiwat said she is a “firm believer in preventive medicine” and “can give a dissertation on hand-washing alone.” As of Saturday, Trump had not yet named his choice to lead the National Institutes of Health, which funds medical research through grants to researchers across the nation and conducts its own research. It has a $48 billion budget. Kennedy has said he'd pause drug development and infectious disease research to shift the focus to chronic diseases. He'd like to keep NIH funding from researchers with conflicts of interest, and criticized the agency in 2017 for what he said was not doing enough research into the role of vaccines in autism — an idea that has long been debunked . Associated Press writers Amanda Seitz and Matt Perrone and AP editor Erica Hunzinger contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Gov. Jay Inslee’s budget proposal offered some hope for child care and early learning advocates who were prepared to fight against deep cuts. Inslee’s plan would boost child care slots, provider rates and money for early learning facilities. But in an effort to save money, he also proposes delaying the expansion of some expensive programs and subsidies set to take effect next year. Advocates say it could be much worse, especially given a budget deficit of at least $10 billion to $12 billion. No currently filled slots would be affected under Inslee’s proposal. “We’re just relieved we’re not going backward,” said Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. Inslee’s budget is far from a final plan. And it is underpinned by his idea to raise revenue through a new tax on the wealthy and higher taxes on businesses. Those ideas are certain to get pushback from some lawmakers when they convene in January and begin work on budget legislation. Inslee, meanwhile, is on his way out of office and has limited sway over budget talks. Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson could come to the table with his own ideas about how to approach child care policy and spending. What’s clear though is that without additional revenue or shifting substantial dollars from somewhere else in the budget, the state will likely have to make much deeper cuts than what Inslee proposed. “The challenge for all of us over the next few months is that this is going to be considered the high mark,” said Katy Warren, deputy director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP. “There’s no going up from here.” The biggest change Inslee proposes is delaying expansions planned under the Fair Start for Kids Act. The 2021 law expands and guarantees access to state-paid early learning programs and subsidized child care for families with lower household incomes. It funded new slots for providers and increased the number of families who can use them. So far, the investments from that law are working, according to the Department of Children, Youth and Families. “We’re seeing the investments pay off that more families are accessing care that they can afford,” agency spokesperson Allison Krutsinger told the House Appropriations Committee earlier this month. Under the Fair Start for Kids Act, eligibility and access are supposed to continue expanding through 2030. But as eligibility expands so do expenses associated with the programs — one of the big drivers of the state’s multi-billion dollar deficit. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program is planned to become an entitlement, guaranteeing access to families below a certain income. This program provides child care and other support services for 3- and 4-year-olds and younger children in some locations. Meanwhile, Working Connections Child Care, the state’s subsidy program, is supposed to increase eligibility for families with up to 75% of the state median income starting next July. To save money throughout the next four years, Inslee proposed delaying the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program expansion to the 2030-2031 school year. That delay would save the state about $146 million through 2027. Inslee also proposed delaying the subsidy expansion to 2031, a move that would save the state $119.5 million through 2027. The delays don’t mean cuts to families currently using the programs, but they do mean a longer wait for future families who might have been eligible starting next year, leading to mixed reactions from child care leaders. “Working parents and child care providers are forced to make unreasonable choices to make child care work with their careers and their bank accounts,” Genevieve Stokes, director of Government Relations for Child Care Aware of Washington, said in a statement. To some, the delays make sense. Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program and Working Connections providers are struggling to hire staff, leaving many slots unfilled. Warren said Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program advocates were planning to ask for a delay of that program’s expansion because there weren’t enough providers ready to handle the influx of new children who would be eligible. To increase the number of providers across the state, Inslee’s budget puts new investments into their rates over the next two years. He proposes an 18% rate increase for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program school-day providers starting in July. He also includes $510 million to fund rate increases for providers who take Working Connections subsidies. That would bring their rates up to the 85th percentile of 2024 market rates , a requirement under the Fair Start for Kids Act. Those investments are a welcome relief to advocates who say increased provider pay is long overdue. “There are families who really need these critical services,” Ryan said. “They can’t get it if the workforce leaves.” Along with increases to provider pay, Inslee’s proposed budget adds more slots for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program through some restructuring. He proposes removing 845 unfilled part-day child care slots, which his office said aren’t always appealing to parents who work full days. He then converts 250 of those into full school-day slots and adds 500 more, for a total of 750 more slots starting in 2026. The budget also sets aside $58.6 million in the capital budget for construction and improvement of early learning facilities. Ryan credited the Inslee administration for providing support for early learning though he acknowledged it’s not everything advocates were hoping for. He said they’d push legislators to limit cuts to current slots and prioritize funding for provider rates. Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard.com .
Professor Geoffrey Hinton said we need to be "very careful" and "very deliberate" in developing AI, which he sees as "potentially very dangerous". He previously estimated there was a 10 percent chance of the technology causing the extinction of the human race, but now predicts that number is between "10 and 20 percent" due to the rapid development of AI. "We have never before dealt with anything more intelligent than ourselves," Hinton told BBC Radio 4. "How many examples do you know of something more intelligent controlling something less intelligent? There are very few of them. There is the example of mother and child - evolution has gone to great lengths to allow the child to control the mother, but that is almost the only example I know," he added. Professor Hinton, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics this year, warned that AI was changing "much faster" than he had expected and that there had not been enough time to carry out the research he felt was necessary. While his work laid the groundwork for machine learning—the technology that allows computers to mimic human intelligence—his recent efforts have focused on advocating for safer AI. He left Google last year amid concerns that "bad actors" could use the technology to do harm. sdecoret / Shutterstock.com "I didn't think we'd get to this so soon. I thought it was going to be a long way off," Hinton said, referring to expectations about the development of artificial intelligence when he began his work. He added: "Now most experts in the field think that in the next 20 years we will develop AI that is smarter than humans. That is a very scary thought." He compared the future of AI to the relationship between a three-year-old child and an adult: "We will be three-year-olds and AI will be adults." Professor Hinton said the impact of AI on the world could be similar to the industrial revolution. "During the industrial revolution, human power became less relevant because machines were more powerful. Now we have something that replaces human intelligence. Ordinary human intelligence will no longer be at the forefront of innovation - it will be machines," he declared. Summit Art Creations / Shutterstock.com When asked what life might be like in 10 or 20 years, Hinton said it "will very much depend on what our political systems do with this technology." He emphasized the need for regulation to prevent misuse of the technology. "We have to be very careful in developing a potentially very dangerous technology. AI will bring many benefits, especially in health and industry, but regulations are needed to prevent abuses," he said. He added that he is concerned that AI will worsen social inequality if many lose their jobs and the benefits are concentrated among the wealthy. "If there's a big gap between the rich and the poor, that's very bad for society." "During the industrial revolution, machines could not take over because humans had intelligence. Now there is a threat that these technologies can take over," he warned. Professor Hinton is considered one of the three "godfathers of artificial intelligence", along with Yann LeCun and Yoshua Bengio, after winning the Turing Award for their work in the field. Podeli:Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — LJ Thomas had 25 points in Austin Peay's 62-50 win over Georgia State on Tuesday. Thomas added five assists for the Governors (4-2). Tekao Carpenter scored 12 points while finishing 4 of 9 from 3-point range. The Panthers (3-3) were led by Zarigue Nutter, who recorded 17 points. Malachi Brown added 10 points and two steals for Georgia State. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
OUTFRONT Media and The Farmlink Project Unveil New Campaign to Fight Food InsecurityDartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.
Renowned chef to relocate restaurant to new city locationIt was a year of change in Ottawa in 2024, with federal public servants required to spend more time in the office, alcohol now available in grocery stores and gas stations, and the Ottawa Senators taking the next step towards moving downtown. 2024 was also a year of tragedy in the city, including six people killed inside a Barrhaven home and the Ottawa Police Service labelling a killing as a femicide for the first time. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at the top stories in Ottawa in 2024. 6 people killed, including mother and 4 children, in Barrhaven home A mother, her four children and a family acquaintance were killed in a "mass killing" at a Barrhaven home on March 6. The Ottawa Police Service says officers responded to two 9-1-1 calls from the Berrigan Drive area "reporting a suspicious incident where a male was yelling and asking people to call 9-1-1," Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs told reporters. "Officers entered the home to check on the safety of those inside, and that is where they began to discover the six victims, the youngest of which is less than three months old. The family are newcomers to Canada and are originally from Sri Lanka." The victims were identified as 35-year-old Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake and her four children: 7-year-old Inuka Wickramasinghe, 4-year-old Ashwini Wickramasinghe, 3-year-old Ranaya Wickramasinghe and two-month-old Kelly Wickramasinghe. A sixth man, 40-year-old Gamini Amarakoon Amarakoon Mudiyanselage, was also found deceased at the home. Febrio De-Zoysa, 19, is facing six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. The Wickramasinghe family is pictured here in this undated image. The four young children and their mother were killed in their Ottawa home on March 6, 2024 alongside a family friend. The father was seriously injured in the attack. A 19-year-old suspect is in custody and is facing multiple counts of first-degree murder. First time the Ottawa Police Service labels a killing as a femicide The Ottawa Police Service labelled the death of a woman at a home in Ottawa's rural west end in August as a femicide, the first-time police used the term in a media release. Police say they were called to an address on Lady Slipper Way, a rural area just north of Highway 7 at about 6:40 p.m. on Aug. 25. The victim was identified as Jennifer Zabarylo, 47, of Ottawa. "In the context of police investigations, we consider this death to be a femicide, as it occurred in the context of intimate partner violence, which is one of the many forms of misogynist killings," Ottawa police said in a news release. "A femicide is generally defined as 'the killing of women and girls because of their gender' often driven by stereotyped gender roles, discrimination towards women and girls or unequal power relations between women and men. Michael Zabarylo, 55, of Ottawa, has been charged with second-degree murder. Ottawa police identified the victim of a homicide on Lady Slipper Way as Jennifer Zabarylo, 47, of Ottawa. Police have labelled her death a femicide. (Facebook) In October, police classified the death of Brkti Berhe , 36, of Ottawa as a femicide. The woman died in a stabbing at Paul Landry Park on Oct. 24. Ottawa Senators, National Capital Commission reach agreement for new NHL arena at LeBreton Flats The Ottawa Senators moved one step closer to building a new home in downtown Ottawa in 2024. After more than two years of talks, the Senators and the National Capital Commission reached an agreement in principle to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats. NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum said the Senators will buy "just over 10 acres" of land to build the new arena. The Senators say it will be "years, not months, before shovels are in the ground." A rendering of what a new Ottawa Senators arena at LeBreton Flats could look like. (Capital Sports Development Inc.) Ottawa high school principal apologizes for song played during Remembrance Day assembly The principal of an Ottawa high school apologized to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school's Remembrance Day service. The assembly for students and staff at Sir Robert Borden High School on Nov. 11 included the song 'Haza Salam' being played. "It has come to my attention that the inclusion of the song 'Haza Salam' in the program caused significant distress to some members of our school community," principal Aaron Hobbs said in a letter to Sir Robert Borden families. "For this, I would like to offer my apologies." 'Haza Salam' translates in English to "This is Peace." On YouTube, there are several different versions of the song 'Haza Salam', and it has become a song to oppose the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) said it was conducting a "thorough investigation into this issue to ensure it is addressed appropriately and meaningfully." Sir Robert Borden High School on Greenbank Road in Ottawa. (Google Maps) PSAC encourages federal workers to 'buy nothing' as civil servants return to the office Tens of thousands of federal public servants returned to the office more days a week in 2024. In September, the federal government introduced new rules requiring federal workers in the core public service to be in the office a minimum of three days a week, and executives to be in the office four days a week. Federal public service unions protested the new hybrid work requirements, including launching a federal court challenge. The Public Service Alliance of Canada encouraged workers to "buy nothing" at downtown Ottawa businesses as they returned to the office in September, in an apparent retaliation against downtown Ottawa businesses for the new protocols. "The needs of the downtown core shouldn't fall on the back of workers and the federal public service. How workers spend their money on in-office days will send a clear message to politicians," PSAC said in a post on Instagram. PSAC asked members to minimize spending on in-office days and buy from local businesses in their neighbourhoods. PSAC calls for downtown boycott The next day, PSAC encouraged its members to "buy local" and support neighbourhood businesses . This year, the federal government signalled it was going to cut 5,000 federal jobs through attrition. In November, the Canada Revenue Agency confirmed it was eliminating 600 temporary and contract employees by the end of the year. Alcohol in corner stores and gas stations 2024 marked the largest change to alcohol sales in Ontario in nearly a century. The Ontario government opened up the liquor market, allowing beer, wine and spirits to be sold in corner stores, gas stations and big box stores, including Costco. In September, Ontario allowed convenient stores in Ottawa and across Ontario to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. More than 180 gas stations and convenience stores in Ottawa are selling alcoholic beverages. According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission website, five Costco stores and four Walmart locations in Ottawa were licensed to sell alcohol starting Oct. 31. Licensed stores are only allowed to sell alcohol between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. However, officials say deliveries of alcohol will only be permitted between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. The AGCO says stores permitted to open on holidays will be allowed to sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Beer sits in storage at the Pioneer gas station on Industrial Avenue in Ottawa in advance Sept. 5, when convenience stores and gas stations are legally able to sell alcohol in Ontario. Aug. 27, 2024. (Katie Griffin/CTV News Ottawa) Trillium Line Commuters were hoping to ride the Trillium Line in 2024, but delays have pushed the opening of the new north-south light rail transit line until Jan. 6, 2025. Line 2 will run from Bayview Station to Limebank Station, including stops at Carleton University and South Keys. Line 4 will run from South Keys to the Ottawa International Airport. OC Transpo says the new Line 2 and Line 4 will open in three phases, beginning Jan. 6 with Monday to Friday service. The three-phase approach will look like this: A Trillium Line train entering South Keys station on Dec. 16, 2024. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa) Historic solar eclipse brings breathtaking views across eastern Ontario Thousands of people gathered as a solar eclipse moved across eastern Ontario on April 8, achieving totality in several communities. More than 5,500 people were at Fort Henry in Kingston, Ont. — one of the communities in the path of totality — and many more gathered in places like Brockville and Cornwall to witness the total eclipse, despite a cloudy day. Events in Ottawa, where the eclipse was partial, still drew crowds. The partial eclipse began the moment the edge of the moon touched the edge of the sun. Totality began when the edge of the moon covered all of the sun and totality ended when the edge of the moon exposed the sun. The partial eclipse ends the moment the edge of the moon leaves the edge of the sun. While total solar eclipses occur about once every 18 months, you need to be directly along the eclipse's specific path to see the full effect. A total solar eclipse hadn't been seen in Canada since 1979. A diamond ring effect is seen during the totality phase of a total solar eclipse, in Kingston, Ont., Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Rare cloud formations ripple the sky over Ottawa A unique cloud formation over Ottawa was the talk of social media in October. The clouds, known as asperitas clouds, are known for their distinctive formations that look like rippling waves. "The thing about these clouds is, I mean, they're beautiful to look at, but they're scientifically really compelling as well, because we don't really understand why they form," Dan Riskin, CTV Science and Technology specialist, told CTV News Ottawa. "I mean, they're kind of associated with bad weather, but they don't actually cause rain to come out. They tend to show up before a storm or after the storm, but not always. And they have this undulation to them. So, they make for beautiful images." The World Meteorological Organization added the asperitas clouds to its International Cloud Atlas in 2015. It is the latest cloud type to be added to its atlas and the first in more than 50 years. Its name comes from the Latin word for "roughness." "It looked biblical," Jody Harrison said. "We were just enjoying the rolling of them all from the west, just coming right at our place. So, it was really cool." Visiting Ottawa from Saskatchewan (land of living skies), I couldn't resist taking these photos that I'd never seen before!! (Barb McCaslin/CTV Viewer) Ottawa woman dies after battle with pancreatic cancer An Ottawa woman who raised more than $500,000 for cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital died after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Sindy Hooper passed away in September. "She did it in typical Sindy style, courageously and gracefully while surrounded by good friends. She was able to see many of our good friends over the last few days, had them reminiscing, laughing, and as always, she gently encouraged us and reminded us to make every moment count," said Jonathan Hooper, Sindy's husband in a post on her Instagram account. "There is no way I can coherently express what an incredible person, friend, wife and mother she is." Hooper was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that spread to her lung, spine and ribs. Hooper continued to run, raising funds for pancreatic research and treatment. A fundraising campaign is underway as part of the 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. An Ottawa woman who raised more than $500,000 for cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital has died after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. (Jonathan Hooper/ Instagram) Other top stories on CTVNewsOttawa.ca in 2024 Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Our Guide To The Best Winter Boots You Can Get In Canada 16 Cozy Home Essentials That Cost Less Than $100 Home Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) 13 Of The Best Fidget Toys For Adults Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals Set The Table For Less — Fable's Boxing Week Sale Is Here The Silk & Snow End Of Year Sale Is Officially On — Here's What To Add To Your Cart 50+ Of The Best Amazon Canada Boxing Day Sales, Deals, And Discounts For 2024 Ottawa Top Stories YEAR-IN-REVIEW | Top stories in Ottawa in 2024 PART 2 | Ottawa mayor speaks on Sprung structures, challenges facing the city in year-end interview OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass Friends, family reunite in Ottawa on Christmas Eve What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays Ottawa driver gets double licence suspension after allegedly going 3 times the speed limit Last minute shoppers in Ottawa wrap up Christmas wish lists Shoppers in Brockville, Ont. enjoying stress-free last-minute shopping CTVNews.ca Top Stories What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.' Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests. Stunning photos show lava erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano One of the world's most active volcanoes spewed lava into the air for a second straight day on Tuesday. Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass Ottawa firefighters and local Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to a bizarre scene Tuesday morning along Highway 417, where a driver managed to wedge his vehicle under an overpass. On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis appeals for courage to better the world Pope Francis said the story of Jesus' birth as a poor carpenter's son should instill hope that all people can make an impact on the world, as the pontiff on Tuesday led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas. Read Trudeau's Christmas message Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full. Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory. Atlantic Two deaths in Truro ruled homicides: RCMP Police in Nova Scotia are investigating after two deaths in Truro, N.S., over the weekend have been ruled homicides. Snow forecast through Christmas Eve for parts of the Maritimes Parts of the Maritimes that were hit by a weekend snowstorm are in for more of the white stuff this Christmas Eve. 'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B. A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000. Toronto Suspect charged in killing of senior found dead in North York driveway Toronto police have charged a suspect in the fatal shooting of a 69-year-old grandfather who was found in the driveway of a North York home earlier this month. Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not. Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway. Montreal Snowfall means a white Christmas, but also traffic woes across southern Quebec roads A heavy snowfall has guaranteed much of Quebec a white Christmas, but it has also sent cars skidding off the province's roads during the busy holiday travel period. Montreal homeless centres lacking for space during cold snap Despite a cold snap, some Montreal homeless centres are being forced to turn people away as beds fill up. Warmer temperatures mean fewer Montreal ice rinks open for Christmas With climate change meaning warmer winter temperatures, fewer outdoor Montreal ice rinks are opening by the end of December. Northern Ontario Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination. Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway. Dismiss Trump taunts, expert says after 'churlish' social media posts about Canada U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada. Windsor Mother daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom. 'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located? The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday. Sandwich Street officially opens after six months of construction A more than 2-kilometre stretch of Sandwich Street near the University of Windsor had been under construction since mid-June. London Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays. Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game. London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning. Kitchener Why holiday shopping may feel a little different this year At around 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kitchener’s Fairview Park Mall, there were plenty of parking spots available. It’s a sign that maybe this year, the rush for last minute gifts is no more. How to stay safe during the holiday season As fun festivities begin, the Canadian government, SickKids and fire departments in the Waterloo Region are reminding families of the higher safety risks during the holiday season. What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day. Barrie Here's when Santa is coming down your chimney, live tracking underway in Simcoe County The spirit of Christmas is in the air as Santa Claus begins his lasting journey to deliver presents to children around the region. Help this missing pup make it home for Christmas The Ontario SPCA in Barrie needs your help bringing this handsome pup home to his family before Christmas. Last minute shoppers braced for chaos but found calm on Christmas Eve Many shoppers were out on Christmas Eve, and while the rush was expected to be chaotic, many found the day surprisingly manageable. Winnipeg 'They gambled with trees': Cutting down trees resumes in Lemay Forest The next chapter of the Lemay Forest saga has unfolded as the sounds of trees coming down could be heard Monday. One person dead, another injured following Monday night house fire One person has died and another is in unstable condition following a house fire Monday evening. Winnipeg police investigating string of packages being stolen The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a string of package thefts in the Transcona area. Calgary Speed, alcohol possible factors in Glenmore Trail crash that left man, 18, dead: police Speed and alcohol are possible factors in a fatal crash on Glenmore Trail on Monday night, according to police. Person in critical condition after downtown Calgary fire A person was sent to hospital in life-threatening condition after a fire in downtown Calgary on Tuesday morning. Skier seriously injured in avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C. A skier was seriously injured after an avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C., over the weekend. Edmonton Edmonton apartment building boarded up after evacuation order from the city An Edmonton apartment building that was evacuated for safety reasons on Monday now sits boarded up. Panthers' Hubbard among NFL's elite running backs as he joins exclusive Canadian club Chuba Hubbard has reached 1,000 yards rushing this NFL campaign, joining a handful of others near the top of the league stats sheet, but also to become just the second Canadian to reach the mark in a season. 1 charged after van stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday One person has been arrested after a van was stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday. Regina Sask. RCMP still searching for man suspected of small-town break-ins spanning years A man suspected of breaking into offices and small businesses across Saskatchewan over the past number of years has struck again – according to RCMP. Tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle in Sask. this holiday season The City of Regina is urging residents to recycle their holiday waste responsibly. 'A nice way to connect': Christmas card exchange between Sask. friends spans 60 years What started out as a little holiday fun between two Regina friends has turned into a tradition that now spans six decades. Saskatoon 'People prop the doors open': Saskatoon resident concerned as people shelter in her stairwell With the number of homeless people in Saskatoon at an unprecedented high, it’s no surprise people are looking for places to warm up. A separate Ukrainian Christmas may be a thing of the past There might be more households than usual celebrating this Christmas Eve, as many Ukrainians around the world are opting to abandon the orthodox calendar. Lloydminster man killed in Christmas Eve highway crash: RCMP A 24-year-old Lloydminster man was killed Tuesday after his pickup truck collided with a semi. Vancouver DEVELOPING | Several Christmas Day ferries between Tsawwassen, Victoria cancelled – and others are 'at risk' The stormy weather in the forecast for B.C.'s South Coast is already disrupting many Christmas Day travel plans. Rappelling RCMP members bring Christmas magic to B.C.’s Ronald McDonald house Children at the Ronald McDonald House at BC Children’s Hospital were paid a surprise visit from a number of nimble guests on Friday, sent from none other than the jolly old man himself. Striking janitors at Vancouver airport reach tentative deal, cancel escalation Escalating job action from striking janitors at the Vancouver International Airport was called off on Christmas Eve after the workers and their employer reached a tentative agreement. Vancouver Island Ripe avalanche conditions for parts of B.C. expected to persist this week A forecaster says ripe avalanche conditions are expected to persist across much of British Columbia for the rest of the week. Woman struck by vehicle dies in Burnaby, B.C. A 24-year-old woman who was struck by a vehicle last week in Burnaby, B.C., has died. Homicide victim identified as 36-year-old man from Langley, B.C. Homicide investigators are identifying the victim of a suspected murder last year in Langley, B.C. Kelowna Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying. Stay Connected
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it's usually a backhanded compliment. They say he's a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn't try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here's the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that's hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. "I get it — we have a really passionate fan base and they're a huge part of our success," Allar said Sunday at College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day. "For us, we always want to go out there every drive and end with a touchdown, so when we don't do that, there's nobody more frustrated than us." The polarizing Allar is having a solid season by just about any standard, completing more than 68% of his passes for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions to a 12-2 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl for Tuesday's game against No. 3 seed Boise State. But in a college football world filled with high-scoring, explosive offenses, Allar's no-frills performances often are the object of ire. The Penn State offense is a run-first bunch, led by the talented combo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. "If we had a nickel for every time there was a Monday morning quarterback saying some BS stuff, we'd all be pretty rich," offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said. "I think part of being a quarterback, especially at Penn State but really anywhere, is how you respond to and manage criticism." The 20-year-old Allar has made strides in that department after a trying 2023 season that finished with a 10-3 record. He says that's largely because once fall camp started back in August, he logged off the social media platform X. Allar said negative online experiences wore on him last year, and his phone number was leaked a few times, which added to the stress. He finally realized that controlling outside narratives was impossible, so the best course of action was to eliminate a needless distraction. "I've been more mentally free, as much as that sounds crazy," Allar said. "I think that's been a huge difference for me this year." The biggest criticism of Allar — and really Penn State as a whole during the 11-year James Franklin era — is that he isn't capable of winning the big games. He's 0-2 against rival Ohio State and threw a late interception against Oregon in the Big Ten title game earlier this month, which sealed the Ducks' 45-37 victory. He wasn't great in the CFP's first round, either, completing just 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards as Penn State muscled past SMU 38-10 on a cold, blustery day to advance to the Fiesta Bowl. But the quarterback is confident a better performance — aided by a game that will be played in comfortable temperatures in a domed stadium — is coming. "For me, I just have to execute those (easy) throws early in the game and get our guys into rhythm," Allar said. "Get them involved early as much as I can and that allows us to stay on the field longer, call more plays and open up our offense more. That will help us a ton, building the momentum throughout the game." Allar might be a favorite punching bag for a section of the Penn State fan base, but that's not the case in his own locker room. Star tight end Tyler Warren praised his quarterback's ability to avoid sacks, saying that the 6-foot-5, 238-pounder brings a toughness that resonates with teammates. "He's a football player," Warren said. "He plays quarterback, but when you watch him play and the energy he brings and the way he runs the ball, he's just a football player and that fires up our offense." Now Allar and Penn State have a chance to silence critics who say that the Nittany Lions don't show up in big games. Not that he's worried about what other people think. "I think it's a skill at the end of the day — blocking out the outside noise," Allar said. "Focusing on you and the process and being honest with yourself, both good and bad." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!What restaurants are open on Christmas 2024? Store hours for fast food places & restaurants on Dec. 25
ATLANTA — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old. The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief” and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights, he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise” speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter’s diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold War, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics. Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”
PLCQ launches Indian author’s book about Pakistan’s largest city Karachi
Affiliate Disclosure If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy . Grab Apple's M3 15-inch MacBook Air with 24GB RAM, 1TB for $1,699 ($200 off) Christine McKee | Dec 11, 2024 Grab an exclusive discount on this M3 MacBook Air. 0 Facebook x.com Reddit This 2024 15-inch MacBook Air in the elegant Midnight colorway features an upgrade to 24GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage. Best of all, it's discounted to $1,699 when you shop at B&H Photo using the exclusive pricing links in this post on a laptop or desktop. Get the MacBook Air deal Normally $1,899, the M3 MacBook Air can be used on the go or in your home office thanks to its 10-core GPU and upgraded specs. Enjoy a boost in performance with the bump up to 24GB of RAM and a comfortable 1TB of storage that make this ultraportable laptop a convenient addition to any Apple setup. (*) Activation instructions : To activate the exclusive deals at B&H, shop through the pricing links above from a laptop or desktop computer. We're sorry, but the offers cannot be activated through B&H's mobile app at this time. Need help? Reach out to us at deals at appleinsider.com. In addition to the triple-digit discount on the laptop, B&H is throwing in free 2-day shipping within the contiguous U.S. for speedy delivery in time for the holidays. If you're a Payboo cardholder or want to become one , you can also get an instant sales tax refund on orders in select states or lock in special financing. In addition to the M3 MacBook Air, B&H is offering AppleInsider readers another exclusive markdown — this time on the closeout M3 14-inch MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage in Space Gray. Now on sale for $1,299, this model is limited to stock on hand and could sell out at any time. You can see how these deals stack up to other MacBook models, including the M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch, in our Mac Price Guide .Democrats, Republicans React to Jimmy Carter's Death: 'Embodied Decency and Integrity'
Eagles’ star receiver throws some water on brush fire, but still not happy with passing gameThe five-part series will debut globally on December 10, following elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. A trailer for the series titled Polo, executive produced by Harry and Meghan, was released on Thursday, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the “fast-paced and glamorous world of polo”. In a statement, Harry said: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour. “We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.” It has been produced by the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions, having previously released three documentaries with Netflix as part of a multimillion-pound deal with the streaming giant. Heart Of Invictus, which aired last August, followed a group of service members on their road to the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style sporting competition set up by Harry in 2014 for injured and sick military personnel and veterans. Netflix also released the documentary series Live To Lead and the controversial six-part Harry & Meghan documentary in December 2022. Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties.
Human Rights Watch on Monday that Ethiopian authorities immediately reverse the suspension of three human rights organizations–the Centre for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), and Lawyers for Human Rights in Ethiopia (LHR)–so that they can freely operate. The respective organizations have been served suspension letters by the Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations since November 14, which has seen their activities grind to a halt on the basis that the organizations were politically biased and undermining the country’s national interest. LHR’s operations were for allegedly “failing to maintain political neutrality, acting beyond its designated purpose, and engaging in actions detrimental to the country’s interests and public welfare,” while CARD’s operations were suspended on for a “lack of political neutrality” and for engaging in “activities deemed contrary to the interests of the country.” Each organization has categorically denied the allegations and expressed a commitment to the suspension. One course of objection is that the Authority did not follow the correct procedures under the by failing to provide written notice that they were breaching the law. The timing of the suspensions with their endorsement of a public letter criticizing proposed amendments to the as a veiled attack on free speech and . The proposed amendments would the composition of the Ethiopian Media Authority’s power structure to shift the fate of media licences further under the influence of the Office of the Prime Minister. The actions of the Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations mark a concerning and lack of accountability in Ethiopia amidst the ongoing conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Deputy Africa Director Laetitia Bader says, “[t]he government’s latest assault shows that Ethiopia remains among the most inhospitable places to criticize government actions and promote human rights.” HRW has called for an immediate reversal of the organization’s suspensions and for the international community to actively reject the government’s escalating crackdown on fundamental human rights. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery December 2 is the . John Brown hanged On December 2, 1859, militant abolitionist John Brown was hanged for murder and treason in the wake of an unsuccessful attack on the US armory at Harper's Ferry, Virginia.Read John Brown's .PS Plus January 2025 games – what to expect for Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers - NME
Dec 1, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) is tackled by Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (9) and safety Damar Hamlin (3) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images/File Photo Dec 1, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) avoids a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images/File Photo San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and top backup Jordan Mason are being placed on injured reserve. McCaffrey left the snowy field in Buffalo on Sunday night after a 5-yard gain that was preceded by him heading to the sideline in apparent pain at the end of an 18-yard run. McCaffrey was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee and did not play in the second half. The 49ers also lost Jordan Mason, who emerged in a starting role with McCaffrey out the first two months of the season, to an ankle injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Mason has a high-ankle sprain, which typically requires a recovery window of 4-6 weeks. Those moves push rookie Isaac Guerendo into the RB1 spot. He scored the team's only touchdown at Buffalo. The IR slots in San Francisco are manned by multiple starters, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and safety Talanoa Hufanga. Mason had a team-leading 789 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns. Being placed on IR means he's not eligible to play until the regular-season finale at Arizona. McCaffrey had 53 yards on seven carries on Sunday night and caught two passes for 14 yards before exiting. He was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores. McCaffrey hasn't scored a touchdown in his four appearances this season. He has rushed for 202 yards on 50 carries and caught 15 passes for 146 yards. "It was frustrating," Shanahan said after the game. "He had a great week of practice and I could feel his urgency and stuff and thought he came out great, looking really good, and it looked like he just got his shoestring there. ... I hurt for him, and tough for our team not having him." The 49ers (5-7) played without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) in the 35-10 loss. San Francisco has lost three in a row heading into next Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears (4-8) in Santa Clara, Calif. San Francisco resides two games behind the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks (7-5) with five games remaining on the schedule. Seattle and San Francisco split their season series. --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
OpenAI's ChatGPT Makes Headway In Search, Threatening Google's Reign
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs left his team’s game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a concussion. Doubs’ injury came on a third-quarter play in the end zone that resulted in a pass interference penalty against San Francisco’s Renardo Green. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Consumers in the United States scoured the internet for online deals as they looked to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon with Cyber Monday. Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people's regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday — a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation — has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it. Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping, expected consumers to spend $13.2 billion Monday — a record, and 6.1% more than last year. That would make it the biggest shopping day for e-commerce for the season — and the year. Online spending was expected to peak between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday night, per Adobe — reaching an estimated $15.7 million spent every minute. For several major retailers, a Cyber Monday sale is a dayslong event that began over the Thanksgiving weekend. An Amazon Prime delivery person lifts packages while making a stop Nov. 28, 2023, in Denver. Amazon kicked off its sales event right after midnight Pacific time on Saturday. Target's two days of discount offers on its website and app began overnight Sunday. Walmart rolled out its Cyber Monday offers for Walmart+ members Sunday afternoon and opened it up to all customers three hours later, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Consumer spending for Cyber Week — the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — provides a strong indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays. Many U.S. consumers continue to experience sticker shock after the period of post-pandemic inflation, which left prices for many goods and services higher than they were three years ago. But retail sales nonetheless remain strong, and the economy kept growing at a healthy pace. At the same time, credit card debt and delinquencies are rising. More shoppers than ever are also on track to use "buy now, pay later" plans this holiday season, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items. Many economists also warned that President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs next year on foreign goods coming into the United States would lead to higher prices on everything from food to clothing to automobiles. A FedEx delivery person carries a package from a truck Nov. 17, 2022, in Denver. The National Retail Federation expects holiday shoppers to spend more this year both in stores and online than last year. But the pace of spending growth will slow slightly, the trade group said, growing 2.5% to 3.5% — compared to 3.9% in 2023. A clear sense of consumer spending patterns during the holiday season won't emerge until the government releases sales data for the period, but some preliminary data from other sources shows some encouraging signs for retailers. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, noted that discounts from Thanksgiving onward "exceeded expectations" and online spending throughout Cyber Week is on track to cross a record $40 billion mark combined. U.S. shoppers spent $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 10.2% increase over last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That's also more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday pulled in about $5 billion in online sales. Consumers also spent a record $6.1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, Adobe said. Meanwhile, software company Salesforce, which also tracks online shopping, estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $17.5 billion in the U.S. and $74.4 billion globally. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks in-person and online spending, reported that overall Black Friday sales excluding automotive rose 3.4% from a year ago. A United Parcel Service driver sorts deliveries July 15, 2023, on New York's Upper West Side. E-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $5 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $4.6 million per minute — with top categories by volume including clothing, cosmetics and fitness products, according to the Canadian company. Toys, electronics, home goods, self-care and beauty categories were among the key drivers of holiday spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to Adobe. "Hot products" included Lego sets, espresso machines, fitness trackers, makeup and skin care. Other data showed physical stores saw fewer customers on Black Friday, underscoring how the huge crowds that were once synonymous with the day after Thanksgiving are now more than happy to shop from the comfort of their homes. RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in stores, said its early data showed store traffic on Friday was down 3.2% in the U.S. compared to last year, with the biggest dip happening in the Midwest. Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, said its preliminary analysis showed retail store traffic on Black Friday was down 8.2% compared to 2023. Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, noted that in-store traffic was getting spread across multiple days since many retailers offered generous discounts before and after Black Friday. "Some of the extended Black Friday promotions really ended up leading to a little bit of a softer day-of traffic than expected," Gustafson said. In 2024, staying small on purpose seems to be paying off big for small businesses. They're keeping operations small and targeting niche, highly specialized customers. And some business owners find this strategy results in more time, energy, and money to intentionally capitalize on unique, small cap opportunities. The data tells the story of growth in small businesses for the year. According to NEXT , the Small Business Administration (SBA) reports awarding 38,000 SBA 7(a) loans under $150,000: double the amount they awarded in 2020. Here are the related small-business trends paying off in 2024. Commercial real estate agent Ryan Beckenhauer of Market Real Estate in Boulder, Colorado, has noticed that small businesses are growing smaller, and that their office and warehouse spaces are starting to reflect that as they shop for business space. In commercial real estate, many small business owners gravitate toward industrial condos and other flexible spaces. These are small-scale industrial spaces with a 90:10 or 80:20 split of warehouse to office. "More individuals are leveraging skills acquired at larger organizations to venture out on their own," explains Beckenhauer. And he goes on to say that they don't need a large commercial space as they make that leap to start a business. His clients include engineers, consultants, builders and other tradespeople. Beckenhauer's clients like the flexibility of being out of an office and being close to their inventory and workshop space. "The clients want to see and touch the finishes," he says. Small business owners both rent or buy these spaces. But he's seeing his clients opt to own industrial condos to stabilize costs due to rent increases in Boulder. And because these spaces are smaller, it can be easier for new buyers to qualify for financing. Mariana Alvarez, owner of Controller Works , an online bookkeeping and advisory firm, has noticed that small business owners outsource financial support services because they don't want to increase headcount. "Outsourcing gives them the possibility of having access to the knowledge and the skills of a CFO without having to pay for the salary," she says. "They don't have to manage or deal with the workload, employment taxes , and all that comes with it," says Alvarez. Additionally, many small business owners in fields like construction are family-owned, and this makes it easier for business owners to hand off delicate financial work to a trusted person with financial experience. Every small business has recurring tasks that can benefit from some level of artificial intelligence automation . And Alvarez sees a lot of value in using AI for small business bookkeeping. She explains that you can automate the data entry on Quickbooks. "When you create rules, as long as you create the rules correctly, it pretty much does itself," says Alvarez. From there, you can lean on financial experts to help you analyze the data and make more informed decisions. She uses AI as a background resource when guiding her accounting clients. "I believe that we still need the human-to-human interaction that comes with more perspective for financial analysis," she explains. According to the SBA , 77% of consumers feel that human interaction is still required for a positive customer experience. People turn to small businesses every day for a human experience. According to Arvind Rongala, CEO of Edstellar , small business workers can show up for their customers but still use AI for routine tasks like customer queries. "This balance allows companies to scale their operations without losing the personal touch that makes them unique. It's important to remember that AI isn't there to replace the human element—it's there to enhance it," he says. "By really focusing on one very small weakness that Amazon has, I've been able to carve out a successful business by offering something different," says Lou Harvey owner of Tank Retailer , a retailer of commercial water and fuel tanks. "When you read our customer reviews, many of them actually mention me by name because of how much we focus on customer service and go the extra mile." One of Harvey's most successful business strategies this year has been to lean into his small, niche market and offer the kind of customer experience that large retailers like Amazon don't. "Any small weaknesses that Amazon has (however small those weaknesses may be) needs to become a strength of a smaller business focusing on a niche market," says Harvey. Harvey has his company's customer service phone number front and center on the website to help earn customer trust. "I prominently feature our phone number, and a real person always answers the phone (usually it's me)," says Harvey. Lucie Voves, CEO and founder of Church Hill Classics , an online, woman-owned diploma framing company that uses sustainable materials, has noticed an uptick in customers seeking services from a business on a mission. "This year, we've seen a growing inclination for consumers to actively seek out and support small businesses owned by women and minorities," says Voves. When consumers shop small, they choose to make their dollars count. "Customers are fueled by a desire to promote social impact through purchasing power," says Voves. Long gone are the days of online retailers "building it and they will come." In 2024 we've seen more small businesses than ever turn to social commerce to sell directly on social media platforms like Instagram Shopping , Facebook Marketplace , and TikTok . Small business owners are turning toward influencers, social media ads, and organic content to target their customers. Mike Vannelli of Envy Creative creates online ads for businesses, and he has seen his clients succeed on TikTok of late. "I've seen businesses, especially in retail, use TikTok's short-form video format to make their products go viral. Think of it as word-of-mouth marketing on steroids," says Vannelli. He uses the platform's algorithm to push a company's content to the right audiences, and it works because TikTok loves storytelling. "I know small brands that use behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and even playful challenges that tap into trends to humanize their products and build trust," explains Vannelli. To stand out on TikTok, he says, smaller brands need to embrace authenticity and emotional connection. Show your team, share your journey, and involve your community in content creation. This story was produced by NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.New Texas DPS Mounted Border Team Tracks Down Migrant Got-Aways on RanchesDSWD 7 ready food packs, funds for disasters
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is under mounting pressure as she confronts an impeachment complaint filed on Monday. The complaint alleges her involvement in various high crimes, including issuing death threats against the president and fostering extra-judicial killings of drug suspects. Backed by prominent civil society activists, the impeachment bid accuses Duterte of violating the Constitution and betraying public trust. The legal proceedings add complexity to Duterte's tense political rivalry with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whom she has threatened alongside his allies. The allegations arrive amid Duterte's persistent refusal to answer detailed queries about financial misconduct and her alleged unexplained wealth, intensifying public scrutiny and calls for accountability. (With inputs from agencies.)
Emerging tight end Noah Gray gives Mahomes and the Chiefs another option in passing game
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OpenAI ‘s chatbot, ChatGPT , is gaining traction in the online search market, potentially challenging Google ‘s GOOGL long-established supremacy . What Happened : A survey conducted by brokerage firm Evercore ISI disclosed that ChatGPT was the favored search provider for 5% of 1,000 respondents, a significant increase from 1% in June. Millennials were identified as the primary drivers of this uptake. Despite the rise, Google still commands the majority of the search market, with 78% of respondents choosing it as their first preference, a slight decrease from 80% in June. Nonetheless, even a minor shift in market share is noteworthy in the online search industry, which is the foundation of Google’s ad business. According to the survey, ChatGPT’s modest gains suggest a potential shift in Google’s status as the internet’s main gatekeeper. OpenAI’s generative AI technology is revolutionizing how millions access digital information, sparking debates about the sustainability of Google’s search dominance. Also Read: Whistleblowers Accuse OpenAI Of Hindering Staff From Reporting AI Risks In October, OpenAI rolled out a full search feature for ChatGPT and also secured a partnership with Apple Inc. AAPL , placing ChatGPT prominently on numerous iPhones. Both moves are perceived as direct challenges to Google. Despite these advancements, Google remains significantly ahead, as indicated by positive results from Evercore’s survey. Google’s Gemini , a ChatGPT-like assistant, and AI Overviews, a feature that summarizes search results, were deemed more effective by 71% of Google users. Why It Matters : The rise of ChatGPT signifies a potential shift in the online search landscape. Google’s dominance has been unchallenged for years, but OpenAI’s advancements suggest a new competitor is emerging. The partnership with Apple and the introduction of a full search feature for ChatGPT are strategic moves to increase its market share. However, it remains to be seen if ChatGPT can monetize search queries as effectively as Google, a factor critical to its success. Read Next Musk Goes To Court To Block OpenAI’s For-Profit Transition This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Chandigarh: Former AAP leader HS Phoolka is likely to make a comeback to active politics after his resignation from the Punjab assembly as the Dakha MLA was accepted in 2019. A WhatsApp message from Phoolka to mediapersons on Monday said, “H S Phoolka, senior advocate, will meet the press on Tuesday. Phoolka will also announce his plans of joining politics.” Earlier, Phoolka had started his political innings by unsuccessfully contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on an AAP ticket from Ludhiana. Later, he was elected from Dakha in 2017 and was appointed the Leader of Opposition (LOP), a post he gave up to focus on the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases after the first session of the assembly. In Jan 2018, Phoolka had resigned from AAP and handed over his resignation to party chief Arvind Kejriwal. Phoolka had said his only reason to quit as the LoP in the Punjab assembly was to fight the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases. We also published the following articles recently Verdict deferred in anti-Sikh riots case against Sajjan Kumar A court in New Delhi has deferred the verdict in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case involving former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to December 16. The case pertains to the killings of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, on November 1, 1984. Kumar has denied all charges, with prosecution alleging his involvement in leading the mob. Kailash Gahlot resigns from membership of Delhi Legislative Assembly Kailash Gahlot, former Delhi transport minister, resigned from the AAP and joined the BJP, citing a departure from the party's core values. He has been appointed to the BJP's Election Coordination Committee ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. AAP, meanwhile, released its first list of candidates for the election. Betterment of education is my biggest goal in politics: Avadh Ojha after joining AAP Civil services coach and motivational speaker Avadh Ojha has joined the Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of party leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Ojha aims to work in the field of education, which is also AAP's focus. His inclusion is expected to bolster the party's educational initiatives ahead of the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.Boring isn't a big selling point when it comes to investments. But being boring isn't a bad thing, particularly when you are talking about a stock that is focused on paying reliable dividends. Realty Income ( O 0.20% ) is very boring. Here's why 2024 was so boring and why that's a good thing for shareholders in 2025 and beyond. What does Realty Income do? Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT), a corporate structure specifically designed to pass income on to shareholders in a tax-advantaged manner via the ownership of real estate. The company avoids corporate-level taxation as long as it distributes at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders, who have to treat the dividends as regular income, so this isn't a free lunch. But REITs avoid double taxation of dividends, which is good. That said, Realty Income is also a net lease REIT, which means that it largely owns single-tenant properties for which the tenant is responsible for paying most operating costs. It is a fairly simple approach to property ownership, as Realty Income avoids things like taxes and maintaining the properties it owns. There is a large risk associated with any single property, but Realty Income owns more than 15,400 properties, so the overall risk is very low. Its portfolio is also fairly well diversified, which further reduces risk. While about 73% of rents come from retail properties, those assets are relatively small and fungible. They are easy to buy, sell, and release, as needed. The rest of the portfolio is spread among industrial assets and some larger unique investments, including vineyards and casinos. Geographically, Realty Income's portfolio is largely based in North America, but it has a growing presence in Europe. Add in an investment-grade balance sheet , and this REIT has a very solid foundation. What's happened so far in 2024 at Realty Income? As 2024 comes to a close, it is clear that Realty Income is having a pretty boring year. To be fair, there was a big bang at the start, when the company closed on its acquisition of competitor Spirit Realty. However, that was mostly big news from 2023 spilling over into 2024. The most notable thing that the REIT did in 2024 through the first three quarters of the year was buy new properties, with the goal of hitting about $3.5 billion in property acquisitions by year-end. While that $3.5 billion target is more than earlier company estimates, it isn't a shocking upward revision. The REIT is simply handling the acquisition volume it is capable of digesting. Meanwhile, Realty Income's occupancy remained solid at 98.7% at the end of the third quarter. And it was able to recapture 105% of expiring lease rents in the quarter. Those two stats basically mean that its locations are strong enough that it can raise rents on new leases as old leases roll over. Once again, however, this is just mundane, day-to-day execution. Nothing particularly exciting. About the most notable thing that it announced was that it plans to create an asset management business for institutional investors. The goal is to generate fees for doing the same basic thing that the company does every day for shareholders, only for a new set of investors. This isn't something new in the REIT industry; it's just Realty Income preparing another avenue for growth in the future. And, in typical fashion, it's being open with shareholders about what it is doing. O data by YCharts. But this is basically the same game plan that Realty Income has been running for years. Adding new avenues for growth was the reason for expanding into Europe. It was why the REIT started to invest in casinos. It is why management expanded into the data center market, as well. Slowly expanding the business is just what management does, and it sets the stage for more slow and steady growth in 2025 and beyond as the company's levers for growth multiply. "The Monthly Dividend Company" Realty Income has trademarked the nickname "The Monthly Dividend Company." That's both a statement of the frequency with which its pays dividends and a bold statement about the purpose of the business. All in, 2024 was a pretty boring year. Sure, it completed an acquisition and announced plans to build a new business line, but neither of those things are really out of character with the long-term goal of the company to be a reliable dividend stock. While Realty Income stock has basically gone nowhere in 2024, its business has performed exactly as you would expect: with slow and steady growth. Add in a 5.6% dividend yield and four more quarterly payout increases, and dividend investors of all stripes should like what they see here.
Analyst Ratings For Nasdaq
Washington (CNN) — The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, officially opened Thursday for students seeking financial aid for college during the 2025-2026 school year. The form traditionally opens on October 1, but the Department of Education delayed the release in an effort to avoid a repeat of last year’s rocky rollout after making significant updates to the application. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed concern that the problems would prevent some low-income students from attending college at all. Submitting the form is required for students to access federal Pell grants, student loans and other kinds of financial aid and is filled out by millions of people annually. The department has been testing the 2025-26 form by allowing a limited number of students and families to submit the application since October 1. Officials had expected to officially release the form on December 1 but pushed up the opening date after conducting four testing phases. “The results throughout the beta testing have been really encouraging,” said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on a call with reporters. As of Tuesday morning, 167,000 applications had been successfully submitted. “The 2025-26 FAFSA form is ready for prime time and is available both online and on paper,” Cardona said. Earlier this week, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed a bill that, if signed into law, will legally require the Department of Education to open the FAFSA form on October 1 each year going forward. Late last December, a new version of the FAFSA form – a culmination of changes approved by Congress in 2019 and 2020 – was released. The changes make the FAFSA easier to fill out and deliver more financial aid to students and families, but the implementation was plagued with problems. The botched rollout resulted in significant delays for students, many of whom were still waiting for financial aid award letters – which show how much they will have to pay for college – when trying to decide where to enroll for the coming fall. An earlier analysis from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office found that FAFSA submissions were down 3%, or by 432,000, compared with the year before as of late August – when most college fall terms begin – and that the drop in applications was the largest for low-income students. The Department of Education has said that the submissions gap fell to about 2% in September and that more students qualified for Pell grants, which are awarded to the lowest-income students. Many students whose parents do not have Social Security numbers experienced challenges submitting the 2024-25 form as they waited for the government to verify their identity through other means. Now, those students are allowed to submit the 2025-26 FAFSA even if their parent’s identity has yet to be verified. Before submitting the FAFSA through the Federal Student Aid website , a student must create a username and password with Federal Student Aid, known as an FSA ID . Parents of dependent students must also create an FSA ID and fill out a portion of the application. The number of questions on the FAFSA vary by applicant, based on his or her financial circumstance, but there are roughly two-thirds fewer questions as of last year’s form than in previous years. It’s easier to fill out than in years past because some information is now directly taken from a filer’s tax return so that an applicant won’t have to go hunting for information. Additionally, a handful of questions have been eliminated on the updated form. It’s expected to take most people less than an hour to fill out the FAFSA form, including gathering any information needed to complete it. The Department of Education has added 700 agents to its contact center since January and will add 225 more over the next few weeks to help support students and families submit the form. It also added extended FAFSA-only weeknight and Saturday contact center hours. The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
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If you’re sitting on a pile of travel or credit card rewards with no immediate travel plans, donating them to a charity is an easy way to have a positive impact. And it's a popular way to give: In 2021, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members donated around 94 million miles to charities at an approximate cash value of $2.6 million, according to the airline. Beyond the social benefits, miles donations also qualify as activity on your loyalty account and can prevent the rest of your rewards from expiring . But if you’re in the habit of maximizing points and miles, you might also want to stretch the value of your charitable donations as far as possible. And by that measure, some methods of donating points and miles fall short. Here’s what to consider before donating your miles and points . Many loyalty programs make it easy to redeem your points and miles for a donation directly through their rewards portals. But some portals — especially those from airline and hotel programs — don’t publish the cash value a charity will receive for your miles or points. That means the charity may receive less value for your donation than you’d think, while also making it hard to compare the value of a donation with the value of other options for redeeming your points. Best Western Rewards is one of the few loyalty programs that publishes a cash value for charitable points donations. The charity will receive $2 for every 500 points you donate, for a point a value of 0.4 cent each. NerdWallet values Best Western points at 0.6 cent apiece, so you would receive 33% less value for your donation relative to using them for a hotel stay. Generally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t count points and miles as a source of income, so if you donate them, you can't deduct the cash value of your gift. This lack of favorable tax treatment for the consumer combined with the uncertain value you’ll often receive for miles and points donations should have you at least consider other avenues for your philanthropic endeavors. Keep in mind that this drawback only matters for taxpayers who itemize deductions on their income tax returns. If you're like most people and take the standard deduction instead of itemizing, you wouldn't be able to get a charitable tax deduction from any donation. Some rewards programs have a minimum donation amount for select charities. For example, you’d have to donate at least 2,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points for a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That minimum amount makes it tougher to donate points that may be collecting dust in your loyalty account. To maximize the value of your donation, consider a charity that books travel directly with your miles or points rather than donating directly through your loyalty program's portal. For example, Miles4Migrants uses donated airline miles and credit card points to directly book award travel for refugees and asylum seekers. “Instead of maximizing points and miles to book a dream trip, we do it to help refugees reach safe new beginnings,” said Patrick Stouffer, partnerships manager at Miles4Migrants, in an email. Miles4Migrants has redeemed over 775 million donated miles in pursuit of their mission, with a cash value of over $17 million. That expertise allows them to get more value out of every donation. “Our team has the specialized knowledge necessary to stretch the value of every point or mile, ensuring donations go as far as possible,” Stouffer said. “Even if you aren’t able to reap any tax advantages of donating your points, at least you’ll know they made the largest possible impact.” Direct cash donations help avoid the downsides of donating miles and points. If you have a credit card that earns cash back , or if you earn cash rewards through a shopping portal like TopCashBack or Rakuten , consider cashing out and donating those rewards instead of your miles and points. With a cash donation, you’ll know the exact value a charity will receive from your donation and likely qualify for a potential itemized deduction on your taxes. Some rewards programs make this process simple and transparent. Travel rewards programs sometimes incentivize charitable giving by offering bonus points for your cash donations. For example, American Airlines offers 10 AAdvantage miles for every dollar members contribute to the charity Stand Up To Cancer. That extra incentive can be an individual boon for your charitable donation. Just be aware that any points or miles you receive from such promotions will reduce the tax deductibility of your contribution. American Airlines values those bonus miles you receive through donations at 3 cents each. So if you donate $100 and receive 1,000 AAdvantage miles, American values those miles at $30. You’ll receive a tax form declaring those rewards as $30 in income, giving you a qualifying tax deduction of $70. When you donate cash and receive bonus points, the charity still receives your full donation and you get a slug of points. While you'll have to pay taxes on those points, it can still be a big win for your future travel plans. More From NerdWallet Craig Joseph writes for NerdWallet. Email: cjoseph@nerdwallet.com . The article Should You Donate Your Points and Miles to Charity? originally appeared on NerdWallet.The discovery of the illegal activities not only led to the confiscation of the goods but also to the individuals facing severe penalties for attempting to defraud customs authorities. In addition to facing fines and potential legal repercussions, the individuals also risked tarnishing their reputation and credibility on an international scale.Sask. farmer says Trump's proposed tariffs will keep her 'up at night'
Should You Donate Your Points and Miles to Charity?
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Dividend, bonus, stock split: Redtape to trade ex-dividend, KPI Green Energy to trade ex-bonus next week; Full listSrinagar, Nov 30: Regional News Unit, Akashvani Srinagar today organised a felicitation function at Akashvani Srinagar headquarters for its staff members included Casual News Editors, Casual News Reader cum Translators of Urdu, Kashmiri, Gojri, Pahari and Balti languages, District Correspondents, data entry operators and the contractual staff. Chief Guest Dr (Prof) Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqui, former VC, Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) in his address said news has the power to shape, reshape the socio-economic and political atmosphere of the world. Praising Akashvani Srinagar’s news delivery standards, he shared his personal connection with the station, highlighting his fondness for the flagship programs Sheherbeen and the evening news bulletins. Qazi Mohammad Salman, Joint Director of PIB Srinagar and Head of News, RNU, DDK Srinagar, highlighted the unwavering commitment to media neutrality as the cornerstone of news production and delivery at the RNUs of Radio and Doordarshan. “Media neutrality is the fundamental principle of newsmaking, and RNUs of Radio and Doordarshan have maintained this standard without compromise,” he stated. Acknowledging the professionalism of the RNU staff, Qazi Salman commended their meticulous efforts in ensuring news is authentic, balanced, and credible. “Before every news item is aired, a significant level of professionalism goes into its preparation to uphold authenticity and balance,” he added. Mohammad Rafi, former Director & Mission Advisor School Education, J&K Govt said, that Plurality and inclusivity have become the pillars of news delivery of Akashvani and Doordarshan. Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisti, Deputy Director DIPR J&K said Akashvani Srinagar is historical in many respects being disciplined in its news delivery and has never compromised with the authenticity of the news. Radio is still relevant in this digital world and has maintained its place with the changing technology, he added. While appreciating this step by RNU Akashvani Srinagar, Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah, Author & Columnist said that this function is a significant recognition of the capabilities of its staff which is very important for community building within the institutions. Gh. Rasool Akhoon, Program Head, Akashvani Srinagar in his address appreciated the efforts of RNU Akashvani Srinagar for organising this felicitation function which will truly encourage the staff which is the jugular vein of the Regional News Unit. Dr Muslim Jan, former Assistant Professor, Media Education Research Centre (MERC), Kashmir University said that it is very encouraging that the students of MERC are excelling up in different media and at other prominent places which is very praiseworthy. The event commenced with a welcome address by Tariq Rather, Deputy Director and Head of News, RNU Akashvani Srinagar. He attributed the success of RNU Akashvani Srinagar to its professional and committed staff. “Akashvani RNU Srinagar has been a trusted source of timely and accurate news since 1948. This achievement is only possible because of the tireless efforts of our team, who work every day to meet our goal of reliable news delivery,” he remarked. The function was attended by Sunil Koul, Assistant Director, PIB Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad Dar, Assistant Director, RNU DDK Srinagar, Sheikh Mudasir Amin, Editor News DDK Srinagar, Naseer Ahmad Rather, FPO, CBC, Srinagar and Ifham Ul Islam, IA, PIB Srinagar and all those who received certificates of appreciation. Ishfaq Ahmad Shah, News Editor, Akashvani Srinagar presented vote of thanks.
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Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing crisis in the Rakhine state and its borders, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanmar during an informal consultation held on Thursday in Thailand. During the meeting, Hossain also emphasised that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. Senior representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and other nations attended the consultation focused on Myanmar. "I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. Non-state actors like the Arakan Army are controlling it. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine," Hossain yesterday told reporters in the capital, sharing details of his discussions at the consultation. In reply, Myanmar said they are trying to regain control of the border. Hossain said that the meeting focused on a few key issues regarding Myanmar, including the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and its political future. On Myanmar's political future, Hossain noted that all participants expressed support for its efforts to resolve internal issues and move forward. "Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," Hossain said. The meeting on Thursday was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsar. The attendees included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Meanwhile, speaking as the chief guest at an international seminar in Dhaka yesterday, the foreign adviser said peace in Myanmar is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the Bay of Bengal and its surrounding countries and that peace cannot be achieved without solving the Rohingya crisis. "Peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the safe and secure return of Rohingyas to their homes," he said at the seminar titled "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interest," at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital. Noting that a civil war situation is currently prevailing in Myanmar, he said at least 1.2 million Rohingyas, who have fled the Rakhine state facing extreme atrocities, have fled to Bangladesh in the last seven years. "There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army, taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh," he said. "It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return," said the foreign adviser. Supported by the Embassy of Japan, the BIISS, in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), hosted the international seminar. He said that the Bay of Bengal has emerged as a focal point of geopolitical and economic activity with its vast natural resources, crucial shipping routes, and potential for economic integration. Touhid said the countries surrounding the Bay and other stakeholders should align their diverse interests, "ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention". He said the Bay has been historically a commercial and cultural hub. However, its strategic importance has grown immensely as it links South and Southeast Asia, two growing economic zones, to the global economy. "By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision, and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations," he observed. He said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain with its strategic location and growing industrial base. "In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities," the adviser said. He acknowledged that initiatives like the "Bay of Bengal Industrial Value Chain," championed by Japan, provide a blueprint for achieving this transformation by leveraging investment, technology, and labour. The adviser also lauded Japan's overall contribution to Bangladesh's development. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori, BIISS Chairman Gousal Azam Sarkar and Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis, among others, spoke at the event. Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, Hossain said, though the government is concerned, he does not believe such an event is on the cards. Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh's policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country. However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes. "They are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop [the infiltrations]," Hossain said, adding that widespread corruption is making the task more difficult. Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing crisis in the Rakhine state and its borders, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanmar during an informal consultation held on Thursday in Thailand. During the meeting, Hossain also emphasised that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. Senior representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and other nations attended the consultation focused on Myanmar. "I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. Non-state actors like the Arakan Army are controlling it. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine," Hossain yesterday told reporters in the capital, sharing details of his discussions at the consultation. In reply, Myanmar said they are trying to regain control of the border. Hossain said that the meeting focused on a few key issues regarding Myanmar, including the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and its political future. On Myanmar's political future, Hossain noted that all participants expressed support for its efforts to resolve internal issues and move forward. "Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," Hossain said. The meeting on Thursday was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsar. The attendees included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Meanwhile, speaking as the chief guest at an international seminar in Dhaka yesterday, the foreign adviser said peace in Myanmar is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the Bay of Bengal and its surrounding countries and that peace cannot be achieved without solving the Rohingya crisis. "Peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the safe and secure return of Rohingyas to their homes," he said at the seminar titled "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interest," at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital. Noting that a civil war situation is currently prevailing in Myanmar, he said at least 1.2 million Rohingyas, who have fled the Rakhine state facing extreme atrocities, have fled to Bangladesh in the last seven years. "There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army, taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh," he said. "It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return," said the foreign adviser. Supported by the Embassy of Japan, the BIISS, in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), hosted the international seminar. He said that the Bay of Bengal has emerged as a focal point of geopolitical and economic activity with its vast natural resources, crucial shipping routes, and potential for economic integration. Touhid said the countries surrounding the Bay and other stakeholders should align their diverse interests, "ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention". He said the Bay has been historically a commercial and cultural hub. However, its strategic importance has grown immensely as it links South and Southeast Asia, two growing economic zones, to the global economy. "By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision, and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations," he observed. He said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain with its strategic location and growing industrial base. "In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities," the adviser said. He acknowledged that initiatives like the "Bay of Bengal Industrial Value Chain," championed by Japan, provide a blueprint for achieving this transformation by leveraging investment, technology, and labour. The adviser also lauded Japan's overall contribution to Bangladesh's development. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori, BIISS Chairman Gousal Azam Sarkar and Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis, among others, spoke at the event. Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, Hossain said, though the government is concerned, he does not believe such an event is on the cards. Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh's policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country. However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes. "They are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop [the infiltrations]," Hossain said, adding that widespread corruption is making the task more difficult.
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Listen to Story Demonstration of seed germination in outer space, a robotic arm to catch a tethered debris there, and testing of green propulsion systems are some of the experiments planned on the POEM-4 - the fourth stage of Isro's PSLV rocket that remains in orbit after launching a satellite. The PSLV-C60 mission, slated for a year-end launch, is scheduled to place the twin satellites 'Chaser and Target' to demonstrate the space docking technologies that are crucial for building India's space station. The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) will carry 24 experiments - 14 from various Isro labs and 10 from private universities and start-ups - to demonstrate various technologies in space. Isro plans to grow eight cowpea seeds from seed germination and plant sustenance until the two-leaf stage in a closed-box environment with active thermal control as part of the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS), developed by Amity University, Mumbai, plans to study the growth of spinach in a microgravity environment. Two parallel experiments will be carried out simultaneously -- one on POEM-4 in space and one on the ground at the university. The experiment's outcome will provide insights into how higher plants sense the direction of gravity and light. The Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator, developed by VSSC, will demonstrate the capturing of tethered debris by a robotic manipulator using visual surveying and object motion prediction in the space environment. The robotic manipulator will be capable of capturing free-floating debris and refuelling tethered and free-floating spacecraft in future POEM missions. Mumbai-based start-up Manastu Space will test Vyom-2U, the green propulsion thruster, that uses a blend of hydrogen peroxide and in-house additives as fuel, with the goal of providing a safer and higher-performing alternative to hydrazine for space applications. The Varuna payload, developed by Piersight Space-Ahmedabad, is an in-orbit demonstration of a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in a CubeSat form factor. This mission marks the initial step towards establishing a constellation of SAR and Automatic Identification System (AIS) satellites, aiming to provide persistent, near real-time monitoring of all human and industrial activity at sea.
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This week, the superannuation industry gathered for its annual talkfest, and while these events can feel like an insider’s game, this year was different – everyday people were the real winners. The Albanese government announced some long-overdue reforms to the retirement phase of super – and the industry rallied around retirement for once. Together, the interest in, and the changes being made might actually make your life easier as you approach retirement. The changes announced this week could be good news for the size of your super balance. Credit: Simon Letch If you’re thinking, t his sounds like industry talk, not my problem , let me stop you right there. These changes are aimed squarely at solving real retirement problems for everyday Australians like you – problems you might not even realise can be fixed. For those approaching retirement in the next 10 years, there are three important shifts. 1. There will be changes to the retirement products offered by super funds Let’s be honest: most Australians today won’t retire with millions in super. For the majority, it’s about piecing together enough for a comfortable life, with the pension often the largest income layer. But the media still frames retirement as a “wealth management” problem – something reserved for the super-rich. The reality? Retirement isn’t about managing millions, it’s about managing enough . That’s where the reforms announced this week get interesting. One of the government’s key focuses is making an emerging category called lifetime income streams part of everyday retirees lives – a way to turn part of your super into a steady, guaranteed paycheck for life. For people worried about outliving their savings or being too exposed to the stock market, this could be a game-changer. Currently, retirement income usually comes from two main sources: the pension, which acts as a base income and an account-based pension from your super, which many people manage conservatively, afraid to spend or take risks in retirement. This approach has its challenges. Many retirees tiptoe through their savings, afraid of running out of money. Lifetime income streams change that by introducing a third layer – a secure, guaranteed income for life. The best part? You only need to invest a portion of your super to gain this added security. For years, we’ve been told super is like a conveyor belt: money goes in, grows steadily, and pops out a nice pile of cash when you retire. Here’s how it works. The pension provides a foundation. A lifetime income stream adds a guaranteed paycheck, covering essential expenses. The rest of your super stays invested for growth, allowing you to take more risks or boost your lifestyle with confidence. For some it’s a smarter, more secure way to stretch your retirement savings. Take Anne, who’s retiring at 67 with $300,000 in super. She’s worried about spending her savings too quickly. She’ll qualify for a full age pension now – almost $30,000 for a single person; and on top she will have two income layers – a lifetime income stream which she allocated a portion of her super to at age 60, and an account-based pension. At 67, the $100,000 of lifetime income stream secures an income every year of about $7500 unconditionally for the rest of her life. The rest of her super could stay invested in growth assets, giving her the flexibility to take on riskier investments, and achieve more upside over the long term without constant fear of running out of money to live on. But here’s the kicker: it’s not really just about the products changing in the market. These products, if implemented well, are about building confidence, helping retirees feel secure enough to actually spend the money they’ve got growing in super on living a better life. The big news this week is that the government’s reforms are focused on making these products easier to understand, safer to use, and directly available through your super fund – no longer tucked away behind confusing jargon or exclusive to financial advisers. If super funds get this right, lifetime income streams could transform how Australians approach retirement over the next 10 years. 2. Retirement planning will finally get some attention For most Australians in midlife, questions about retirement start piling up: What are my goals? Have I saved enough? Will my super last? How much can I afford to spend? What happens if my health takes a turn? Lifetime income products could give you more comfort in retirement. Credit: Glenn Hunt These aren’t simple, automated decisions like super contributions during your working years. They’re messy, personal, and – let’s face it – stressful. For years, we’ve been sold the idea that superannuation is like a conveyor belt: money goes in, grows steadily, and pops out a nice pile of cash when you retire. But anyone who’s tried to navigate modern retirement knows that’s far from reality. Almost every step is clunky, complex and overwhelming. You’ve got to figure out how much you’ll need, how long your money will last, and what trade-offs to make, all without much support. Financial literacy gaps and the high cost of advice often leave ordinary Australians to fend for themselves. And with too few financial planners to go around, the “just get advice” mantra doesn’t solve the problem for everyone. This week, however, I saw a shift. The superannuation and financial advice industries are finally starting to acknowledge that retirement isn’t just about money – it’s about navigating life’s biggest transitions. It’s about understanding your options and making decisions that work for your personal circumstances. Thankfully, the government and some big super funds are stepping up. The government has committed to upgrading the MoneySmart website, our only independent, government-provided resource for tackling the complexities of retirement. The promise? Better calculators, practical projection tools, and clearer information on how super and the pension work together. Meanwhile, super funds are focusing on their own tools, encouraging members to use calculators that can boost confidence and improve drawdown strategies. In fact, they’ve found that people who take the time to learn about retirement – whether through government tools or fund-provided resources – are often better equipped to make informed, empowered decisions. For many, these tools will provide the actionable information needed to handle less complex decisions, even before seeking professional advice (if it’s needed at all). But here’s the catch: while the commitment to better tools is promising, an upgraded MoneySmart website isn’t expected until 2027, which is too late for more than 450,000 retirees who will have transitioned by then. Here’s hoping it delivers when it arrives. For the first time, though, it feels like the system is starting to meet people where they are: acknowledging that retirement is deeply personal and often overwhelming. That shift alone is worth celebrating. 3. Retirement has to be a system that evolves as retirees do Retirement today is vastly different from what it will look like in a decade. People retiring now have only had super contributions at 9 per cent or higher for part of their working lives, leaving them with modest balances averaging around $250,000. But in 10 years, retirees will have had 9 per cent or more for their entire careers, resulting in average balances exceeding $500,000 – and lifestyle expectations to match. This shift will redefine retirement as we know it. Currently, retirees control about $2.4 billion of Australia’s GDP. In 10 years, that figure will skyrocket, fundamentally reshaping the way we think about retirement and its impact on the broader economy. We’re about to witness a significant transformation – and the system needs to evolve to meet the needs of both today’s retirees who will need to rely on the age pension, and those in the future who will rely on superannuation – and will need a different mix of products to secure their income. With larger balances to manage, the system is being reshaped to offer better tools and tailored products that cater to their more complex financial needs. I’m impressed. The reforms we saw this week are all about fixing the everyday frustrations that come with planning and living your retirement: While some of the changes won’t arrive until 2027, the shift in focus is happening now. For the first time, it feels like the superannuation industry is listening to what people really need – and that’s a big deal. Bec Wilson is the author of the bestseller How to Have an Epic Retirement . She writes a weekly newsletter at epicretirement.net and is host of the Prime Time podcast. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter .Syria's embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian army officersMemphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tip off Maui Invitational
What makes the Kensington Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Quad Video Docking Station (SD5800T) a killer Thunderbolt dock deal? It’s not just about the price, which is at least $100 off right now. For me, what makes so special is that this is my preferred premium Thunderbolt docking station in my list of the , and it’s on sale for a better-than-mainstream price. I’ve tested it and backs it up: this is a top-of-the-line docking station. Kensington itself charges $310 for this dock, but they’re out of stock due to high demand. Amazon says the MSRP is $299, which means you’re saving more than $100 either way. Beyond that, the Kensington SD5800T is simply outstanding. Their docks are consistently good, but the SD5800T is one of those ultra-premium docks that not only includes both DisplayPort and HDMI ports but also includes boatloads of legacy ports, including USB-C and microSD/SD card slots. About the only thing that’s a little awkward is that the front charging port is USB-A; instead, the rear-mounted charging port is USB-C, which is more common. But that’s it. I think I can say with certainty that this is going to be an excellent year for , but this is one of the hottest ones and it’s already here. Mark has written for PCWorld for the last decade, with 30 years of experience covering technology. He has authored over 3,500 articles for PCWorld alone, covering PC microprocessors, peripherals, and Microsoft Windows, among other topics. Mark has written for publications including PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science and Electronic Buyers' News, where he shared a Jesse H. Neal Award for breaking news. He recently handed over a collection of several dozen Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs because his office simply has no more room.
ROME (AP) — Robert Lewandowski joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players in Champions League history with 100 or more goals. But Erling Haaland is on a faster pace than anyone by boosting his total to 46 goals at age 24 on Tuesday. Still, Haaland's brace wasn't enough for Manchester City in a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord that extended the Premier League champion's winless streak to six matches. Lewandowski’s early penalty kick started Barcelona off to a 3-0 win over previously unbeaten Brest to move into second place in the new single-league format. The Poland striker added goal No. 101 in second-half stoppage time. Ronaldo leads the all-time scoring list with 140 goals and Messi is next with 129. But neither Ronaldo nor Messi play in the Champions League anymore following moves to Saudi Arabia and the United States, respectively. The 36-year-old Lewandowski required 125 matches to reach the century mark, two more than Messi (123) and 12 fewer than Ronaldo (137). Barcelona also got a second-half score from Dani Olmo. The top eight finishers in the standings advance directly to the round of 16 in March. Teams ranked ninth to 24th go into a knockout playoffs round in February, while the bottom 12 teams are eliminated. Haaland has 46 goals in 44 games Haaland converted a first-half penalty to eclipse Messi as the youngest player to reach 45 goals then scored City's third after the break to raise his total to 46 goals in 44 games. Ilkay Gundogan had City's second. But then Feyenoord struck back with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko. Inter leads standings and hasn't conceded a goal Inter Milan beat Leipzig 1-0 with an own goal to move atop the standings with 13 points, one more than Barcelona and Liverpool, which faces Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Serie A champion is the only club that hasn't conceded a goal. Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 — the same score from the 2020 final between the two teams. PSG ended with 10 men and remained in the elimination zone. The French powerhouse has struggled in Europe after Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid. Atalanta moved within two points of the lead with a 6-1 win at Young Boys. Also, Arsenal won 5-1 at Sporting Lisbon; and Bayer Leverkusen routed Salzburg 5-0. AC Milan follows up win over Real Madrid with another victory AC Milan followed up its win at Real Madrid with a 3-2 victory at last-place Slovan Bratislava in an early match. Christian Pulisic put the seven-time champion ahead midway through the first half by finishing off a counterattack. Then Rafael Leao restored the Rossoneri’s advantage after Tigran Barseghyan had equalized for Bratislava and Tammy Abraham quickly added another. Nino Marcelli scored with a long-range strike in the 88th for Bratislava, which ended with 10 men. Bratislava has lost all five of its matches. Alvarez and Griezmann lead Atletico to 6-0 rout Argentina World Cup winner Julian Alvarez scored twice and Atletico Madrid routed Sparta Prague 6-0 in the other early game. Alvarez scored with a free kick 15 minutes in and Marcos Llorente added a long-range strike before the break. Alvarez finished off a counterattack early in the second half after being set up by substitute Antoine Griezmann, who then marked his 100th Champions League game by getting on the scoresheet himself. Angel Correa added a late brace for Atletico, which earned its biggest away win in Europe. Atletico beat Paris Saint-Germain in the previous round and extended its winning streak across all competitions to six matches. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press
TORONTO — Canada's main stock index moved lower Monday, weighed down by energy stocks as the price of oil fell, while U.S. stock markets rose. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 33.93 points at 25,410.35. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 440.06 points at 44,736.57. The S&P 500 index was up 18.03 points at 5,987.37, while the Nasdaq composite was up 51.19 points at 19,054.84. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.53 cents US compared with 71.54 cents US on Friday. The January crude oil contract was down US$2.30 at US$68.94 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up 16 cents at US$3.44 per mmBTU. The December gold contract was down US$93.70 at US$2,618.50 an ounce and the March copper contract was up three cents at US$4.16 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) The Canadian Press
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Daily Post Nigeria A new look, same goodness: Malta Guinness reintroduces itself with style Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sponsored A new look, same goodness: Malta Guinness reintroduces itself with style Published on November 26, 2024 By Daily Post Staff Lagos Nigeria — Today, Malta Guinness, Nigeria’s most beloved non-alcoholic malt drink, proudly unveils its refreshed pack design to an excited public. This vibrant new look combines the brand’s heritage with a bold, modern aesthetic that celebrates Nigeria’s dynamic energy and can-do spirit. As always, consumers can count on the same nourishing taste and quality that has characterized every bottle and can of Malta Guinness for decades. The new design of Malta Guinness introduces several striking updates while preserving the brand’s iconic identity. Key changes include a larger, more prominent harp logo that exudes confidence and heritage, vibrant sunburst rays symbolizing energy and vitality, and refined typography for a contemporary feel. “With this refreshed look, Malta Guinness continues to stand as a beacon of vitality and goodness for Nigerians, celebrating our resilience and vibrant spirit,” said Olayinka Bakare, Marketing & Innovations Director, Guinness Nigeria. Speaking further, Ife Odedere, Senior Manager of the Non-Alcoholics Category at Guinness Nigeria, added, “We want our fans to know that while the outside may be new, the goodness, quality, and rich taste they trust remain the same. This updated design reflects our commitment to evolving with our consumers while staying true to our nourishing heritage.” Consumers across Nigeria can expect to see the refreshed packs in stores nationwide in the coming weeks. Whether drinking from the outgoing classic pack or the newly refreshed packaging, Malta Guinness promises the same goodness-packed nourishing taste with every sip. This new look is more than a change in design—it’s a celebration of the vibrant, resilient spirit of Nigeria, bottled in a vibrant, bold package. For more information on this exciting new chapter, follow @MaltaGuinnessNG on social media and join the conversation using #NewLookSameGoodness, #ShareGoodness, and #ShareGoodnessEveryday. Related Topics: Malta Guinness Promoted Don't Miss Celebrating Connection and Team Spirit at Hyde Energy’s Hydelympics You may like Celebrating Connection and Team Spirit at Hyde Energy’s Hydelympics Eunisell Interlinked PLC Reports Positive Financial Results for First Quarter of 2024 Full-Scale Development Company Leads Top Real Estate Agencies In Lagos and Abuja Zenith Bank spreads joy and festive cheer with Ajose Adeogun Street light-up ARO DAY 2024: Foremost Nigeria-born South African preacher to storm Arochukwu for Light of the World Crusade CustomWritings’ Professional Help with Quality PPT for Academic and Career Success Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke coach Manny Diaz says quarterback Maalik Murphy will face discipline “internally” after extending both of his middle fingers skyward in celebration after throwing a long touchdown pass early in the weekend win against Virginia Tech . Diaz said Monday that Murphy's exuberant gesture, caught on the ACC Network national broadcast, was directed at offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer in the booth after a bit of practice “banter” from a few days earlier. Diaz said the Texas transfer just let his excitement get away from him but still called it “unacceptable in our program." “There was a practice in the middle of last week when we throwing post after post after post, and we weren't completing them,” Diaz said. “And it was again and again and again and again. And at the end of that, there was a remark made in jest that, ‘If you throw a post for a touchdown in the game, then you can flick me off,’ from Coach Brewer.” Murphy's gesture came after he uncorked a deep ball from deep in Duke's own end and caught Eli Pancol perfectly in stride across midfield, with Pancol racing untouched for an 86-yard score barely 2 minutes into the game. As he began skipping downfield to celebrate, Murphy chest-bumped teammate Star Thomas and then extended both arms in the air with his middle fingers raised. Brewer said Monday he missed the gesture in real time, but then saw it on a replay moments later. “Some things you say on the field when you're coaching obviously isn't meant to be taken literally when you're trying to get after somebody in that world,” Brewer said. Murphy threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions in the 31-28 win for the Blue Devils (8-3, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference), who close the regular season at Wake Forest. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
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Newly Elected ATPN President, Fadina, Unveils VisionDe’Andre Hunter scored 23 points off the bench as the Atlanta Hawks beat league-leading Cleveland again on Friday to advance in the NBA Cup. The Hawks, who handed the Cavs their first home defeat of the season on Wednesday, came out on top at home, parlaying a 52-50 halftime lead into a 117-101 triumph. It was enough to put Atlanta into the NBA Cup knockout rounds as winner of their group after the Boston Celtics beat the Bulls 138-129 in Chicago. Trae Young scored 21 points and handed out 11 assists and Jalen Johnson chipped in 20 points for Atlanta, who had six players score in double figures. Darius Garland scored 29 points for Cleveland and Evan Mobley added 24 points for the Cavs, who opened the season on a 15-0 tear and at 17-3 still boast the best record in the league. The Hawks held Cavs star Donovan Mitchell to 12 points and out-scored Cleveland 39-23 in the third quarter to take control for good in the contest that was one of 10 NBA Cup group stage games scheduled on the Thanksgiving holiday Friday. “They outplayed us,” Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said after the Cavaliers were held to their lowest point total of the season. “Sometimes you just have to call it like you see it.” The Los Angeles Lakers, who won the inaugural edition of the Cup last season, were essentially eliminated from the in-season tournament after falling 101-93 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.