wild adventures pass
PASAY CITY, Philippines , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The SM Group is approaching the coming year with cautious optimism, encouraged by the continued growth of the Philippine economy. SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said that despite ongoing challenges of peso volatility and higher inflation, the business sector has adapted well. Consistent demand sustained household spending in the third quarter, with Household Final Consumption Expenditure posting a year-on-year growth of 5.1%, maintaining the same level in the same quarter last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed. "Any moderation in inflation should trigger a strong confidence rebound. This could create opportunities in consumer-focused sectors in the country and we are poised to cater to these evolving demands," Mr. DyBuncio said. To cater to growing demand, SM continues to expand into more underserved areas, contributing to sustainable economic development and collaborating with government stakeholders to enhance access to modern retail, financial services, and integrated property developments. "By investing and expanding to more areas nationwide, SM creates new markets and improves access to these essential sectors, serving more communities and helping stimulate sustained economic activities," he said. Mr. DyBuncio also said SM continues to invest in promising ventures such as renewable energy and logistics, that foster economic activity. SM has invested in the clean energy industry through Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) which produces 300 Megawatts of geothermal steam supply. SM aims to continue to develop geothermal concessions through PGPC in support of the Department of Energy's goal of reaching 50% renewable energy supply by 2040. To encourage circularity towards green energy production, SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings partnered with GUUN Co. Ltd. ( GUUN ) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel. SM's banking arm, BDO Unibank is one of the largest funders of renewable energy projects. BDO has funded PHP898 billion in sustainable finance, including loans to 59 renewable energy projects as of December 2023. In logistics and tourism, the improvement of transport networks across the country's archipelago connects tourist and industrial areas that will help create inclusive growth. SM though its subsidiary 2GO launched MV Masigla and MV Masikap in 2024 to help better connect goods to 19 ports across the country including Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Manila , further supporting the government's push for medium term growth through an upgraded tourism infrastructure and ecosystem. "Our focus for 2025 will be to drive purposeful growth, empowering communities and partners through our investments towards a sustainable future," Mr. DyBuncio said. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sm-approaches-2025-with-cautious-optimism-302339448.html SOURCE SM Investments CorporationUCF is looking for a new head coach after Gus Malzahn resigned on Saturday to become the offensive coordinator at Florida State. The school released a statement on Saturday afternoon indicating the news of Malzahn's departure. Malzahn went 28-24 as the head coach in Orlando from 2021-24, including a 10-15 mark as a member of the Big 12 over the last two seasons. UCF is a job with a ton of potential. The program is located in a talent-rich state (Florida) and has a fanbase that's eager to win with quality resources. Additionally, the move to a power conference (Big 12) in 2023 only adds to the potential for this job. Who could replace Malzahn at UCF? Here are a few names to watch in the search: UCF Football: 8 Coaching Candidates to Replace Gus Malzahn Jamey Chadwell, Head Coach, Liberty Chadwell is one of the top coaches in the Group of 5 ranks and is due for a chance to lead a power conference program - perhaps as early as this offseason with North Carolina a team that should inquire about his interest. The Tennessee native has worked as a head coach at five different stops, including Charleston Southern (35-14 from 2013-16) and Coastal Carolina (39-22). In two years at Liberty, Chadwell’s record sits at 21-4, and he guided the program to an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl after a 13-0 record in the regular season in ’23. The Flames underachieved a bit this year, but Chadwell's track record of winning and building prolific offenses is worth a look for any open job in the power conferences this offseason. Scott Frost, Former UCF/Nebraska Head Coach Could UCF look to its past for its next head coach? Frost guided the Knights to a 19-7 mark from 2016-17, including a 13-0 season in his final year at the helm. His tenure at Nebraska ended in dismissal, as the Cornhuskers went 16-31 from 2018-22. Frost currently works as an analyst with the Rams. Alex Golesh, Head Coach, South Florida Could Golesh make an in-state move to UCF? Although South Florida is a solid job, the Knights are a power conference opportunity and a step up the ladder. The Bulls were hit by an injury to their starting quarterback early in the '24 season but still was 6-5 going into Week 14 after a 7-5 record last year. He previously worked at UCF in 2020. Charles Huff, Head Coach, Marshall Huff is in a unique spot going into the final weekend of the '24 season. Despite a 30-20 record at Marshall, Huff does not have a contract beyond this year. In addition to a successful stint with the Thundering Herd, Huff previously worked as an assistant at Penn State, Mississippi State, and Alabama. GJ Kinne, Head Coach, Texas State Kinne recently inked a contract extension at Texas State, so he's likely a longshot candidate for this job. However, he previously worked at UCF at 2021 as an offensive assistant under Malzahn. Kinne is 15-10 over the last two seasons with the Bobcats and previously went 12-2 as the coach at Incarnate Word in '22. Dan Mullen, Former Mississippi State/Florida Head Coach Could Mullen return to the sidelines after working the past three years at ESPN? His name was mentioned in the North Carolina search to replace Mack Brown and could pop up in other openings this offseason. Although Mullen was dismissed at Florida, he still compiled a 34-15 mark from 2018-21 and won the SEC East title in ’20. Prior to the stint in Gainesville, Mullen went 69-46 at Mississippi State from 2009-17. He's also regarded for his work on the offensive side of the ball. Garrett Riley, Offensive Coordinator, Clemson Riley is regarded as one of college football's top rising stars in the coordinator ranks. The Texas native (and brother of Lincoln Riley) has never been a head coach at the FBS level but has worked as an offensive coordinator at three different programs, including SMU, TCU, and Clemson. Under Riley's watch, the Tigers have showed significant progress on offense in '24. Jon Sumrall, Head Coach, Tulane Sumrall's name is likely to pop up for every power conference opening this offseason. However, he also can be patient in choosing his next move. The Alabama native went 23-4 at Troy from 2022-23 and finished 9-3 with a spot in the AAC title game in his debut at Tulane this fall. Related: 10 Candidates to Replace Mack Brown at North Carolina Related: College Football Bowl Projections for 2024-25 Related: Ranking College Football's Open Head-Coaching Jobs for the 2024-25 Carousel
A contentious race for the White House dominated national headlines in 2024, but there wasn’t much ballot suspense in Eagle County. Kamala Harris secured nearly 61 percent of the vote among local voters, while races for two seats on the Eagle County Board of Commissioners weren’t close. Incumbent Democrat Matt Scherr earned nearly 59% of the vote, and Democrat Tom Boyd cruised to victory in the general election with no Republican challenger vying for the seat vacated by Kathy Chandler-Henry, who opted not to seek a third term. Amid the charged national and statewide debates, such as ballot measures to ban big cat hunting or a sweeping overhaul of Colorado’s electoral system, Eagle County residents found plenty else to argue about. Large developments, school safety, taxpayer-funded art in public spaces and the return of wolves to the Western Slope dominated local headlines and generated piles of letters to the editor. There was also plenty of news to celebrate, from low-cost carriers finally landing at the local airport to Lindsey Vonn returning to World Cup racing at 40 — more than five years after injuries chased her into retirement. Also, the mystery of a hiker who went missing on Eagle County’s highest peak 19 years ago finally saw a major break in the case. What did Vail Daily readers find important in 2025? We pored over all the stories that drew the most engagement from our digital audience to arrive at this year-end list. Here’s a look back at the year that was, based on the stories you clicked the most and the ones you spent the most time reading. The Eagle County Board of Commissioners in December had in-person seats for a case before the U.S. Supreme Court in which Eagle County was the lead plaintiff. The case, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v Eagle County, Colorado, invalidated a U.S. Surface Transportation Board decision that cleared the way for a proposed Uinta Basin Railway. If approved, the rail line would have linked oilfields pumping “waxy” crude oil to the Union Pacific Railroad’s main east-west line that roughly parallels Interstate 70 and the Colorado River. That line runs through Glenwood Canyon and along the river through much of Eagle County, and ultimately through the Moffat Tunnel to the Front Range. Eagle County was the lead plaintiff in what became a broad-based case against the Utah coalition. An appellate court overturned the Surface Transportation Board’s decision, and the Utah coalition appealed that decision to the nation’s high court. The appeal asks whether the federal National Environmental Policy Act required the Surface Transportation Board to consider the potential environmental harm of the waxy crude cargo. In addition to Commissioners Jeanne McQueeney, Kathy Chandler-Henry and Matt Scherr, county attorneys Beth Oliver and Christina Hooper also attended the oral arguments in the case. A decision is expected by the end of the court’s current term in June . — Scott Miller When Lindsey Vonn officially announced her return to the U.S. Ski Team and World Cup racing five years after her 2019 retirement, she was greeted by a mix of excited anticipation and justified doubts. After all, the 82-time World Cup winner cited chronic injuries as her main reason for leaving the sport in the first place. Plus, she’s 40. At a team press conference the night before the Birds of Prey World Cup races — where Vonn acted as a forerunner — the eight-time downhill Crystal Globe champion addressed both concerns. “The last few years of my career were I think a lot more challenging than I let on,” she said. “But I feel stronger now than I did in my mid to late 20s ... now that I have the chance to physically do what I love, why would I not try?” Concerning her age, Vonn pointed to gymnast Simone Biles as one example of an athlete who exists “outside of the confines of what we believe is the right age” for a particular sport. “I’m just doing what I feel is right for me but at the same time continuing on what other women have done before me,” she added. Vonn nervously stepped into the starting gate in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Dec. 21, rocketing to a 14th-place finish in her first World Cup race in five years. Fans who’ve followed the Minnesota-born, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail-raised star since the beginning likely were encouraged by the result. They also probably aren’t surprised by Vonn’s ambitious definition of success for her second go-round. “Success is not just participating,” she said. “I know my way back to a competitive level might take a race or two, but I certainly intend on getting back to where I was before.” — Ryan Sederquist For nearly two decades, Vail has been working to build a residency program for artists, and in 2024, it was beginning to look like that was going to come together with Danielle SeeWalker, a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, receiving an invitation to participate in the program. SeeWalker was to create a mural, participate in a workshop and an artist talk, and exhibit a photo documentary project. Much of SeeWalker’s work contains themes that focus on the loss of language her people are experiencing, with many of her pieces showing a native Indigenous person with no mouth, or pixelation occurring over the mouth of her subject. In February, SeeWalker created one of those pieces for an exhibition in Denver, titling the piece “G is for Genocide.” It depicts a native woman with no mouth, wearing a keffiyeh. In a March post on Instagram that displayed the piece, SeeWalker wrote a caption saying “Some days, I have overwhelming grief + guilt for walking around privileged while people in Gaza are suffering.” On May 9, she received a call from a representative from the town of Vail, saying the town was canceling her artist-in-residency program due to the political nature of her work. The announcement sent shockwaves through the art community in Colorado, with one former muralist in Vail saying it was wrong for Vail to pull the residency out from under SeeWalker instead of having a conversation. Many agreed, but the town stuck by its decision , saying Art in Public Places did not want to “use public funds to support any position on a polarizing geopolitical issue.” SeeWalker later appeared at a Vail Symposium event in Vail , saying she was grateful that the Symposium had invited her to visit and “have a voice, which was something I wasn’t given the opportunity to do.” In October, the American Civil Liberties Union announced that it had filed a suit against the town of Vail on SeeWalker’s behalf. “G is for Genocide” had no relationship with the AIPP program or SeeWalker’s residency, the ACLU said, “Nonetheless, the town of Vail decided to cancel SeeWalker’s residency because of the views SeeWalker expressed in her post. Vail’s invidious viewpoint discrimination — which violates the First Amendment and Colorado Constitution — perpetuates a history of censorship of Indigenous people’s perspectives in Colorado and the United States.” — John LaConte The Eagle County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9 closed out a summer of hearings by approving the massive West End project , a 275-unit apartment project in Edwards. Just west of the Gashouse Restaurant, the West End will be developed by East West Partners. It is being built without government subsidies and will have 275 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, with deed restrictions on 207 of the units. While supporters cited the need for workforce housing in the valley, many residents opposed the plan , expressing concerns about the size of the building and the impact it and its residents would have on the adjacent Eagle River Preserve open space. Critics also questioned the parking plan and the impacts of traffic on local roads, particularly on a proposed loop road intended to direct traffic to only right turns into and out of the complex, and through the roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 and the Edwards Spur Road. Other residents, and the commissioners, also asked about the potential affordability of the units. Several businesses, including Vail Health, intend to master lease units at the West End. Other units will be price-capped, geared toward those making no more than 80% to 100% of the area median income. With the Sept. 9 approvals in hand, East West must now submit a “final plat application.” That application requires a public hearing. As of late November, East West had submitted that application but it had not yet been deemed “sufficient” by county planners. The application cannot move forward until any deficiencies have been addressed. — Scott Miller The reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado has faced mixed reviews since 10 wolves were relocated from Oregon to the Western Slope in December 2023. The restoration, mandated by voters, aims to reinstate wolves to a region where they were eradicated over 80 years ago. While Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials report positive biological outcomes, such as the birth of five wolf pups in the first established pack from the reintroduced wolves, the first year of reintroduction was fraught with tension, particularly among ranchers who describe the experience as painful and stressful, aggravated by livestock conflicts and management challenges. There have been calls for a pause in future reintroductions until effective conflict mitigation measures are implemented. Environmental advocates argue the reintroduction supports wildlife biodiversity and ecosystem health, asserting that the program is on track despite reports of livestock conflicts and three wolf deaths. Yet, ranchers feel overwhelmed by the added stress and financial burdens, leading to heightened concerns about the safety of their herds. There are also worries over politics interfering with science-backed decision-making and a lack of support for ranchers from state officials. Earlier this month, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Eagle County Board of Commissioners hosted a listening session regarding wolf reintroduction efforts . They got an earful. District Wildlife Manager Matt Yamashita presented plans for introducing more wolves to the area, prompting a strong response from ranchers advocating for a pause in the program due to ongoing concerns over livestock safety and wildlife management. Rancher James Bair emphasized the need for improved management strategies for both livestock and wildlife, especially in cases of depredation — echoing requests made by agriculture and livestock groups seeking a pause in reintroduction. He also expressed worry that wolf reintroduction could potentially harm the growing moose population and negatively impact out-of-state hunters. Other ranchers voiced their anxiety about the presence of wolves near their cattle, arguing that Western Slope dynamics differ significantly from the successful wolf management seen in Yellowstone. Jill Schlegel, along with others, highlighted the loss of property rights and the necessity of allowing ranchers to protect their livestock with lethal force if necessary. Some ranchers dismissed preventive measures like range riders and drones as ineffective against the vast grazing areas they manage. Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry affirmed the ranchers’ vital role in the community and assured them that their concerns would be taken seriously. Yamashita acknowledged the composure of the ranchers during discussions, praising their commitment to responsible management in Eagle and Garfield counties. Looking forward, CPW plans to introduce up to 15 additional wolves this winter, alongside new initiatives to address challenges faced by the agricultural community. The agency has said it is committed to enhancing educational programs and improving communication with impacted stakeholders.” — Ali Longwell and Scott Miller For just about as long as the Eagle County Regional Airport has brought countless visitors to the valley, locals have asked, “What’s in it for me?” We saw an answer to that question this year, with the announced arrival of Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Frontier flights arrived first on Dec. 16 , with flights from Denver and Dallas. A flight from San Francisco followed a few days later. Frontier is flying into Eagle County with full-size Airbus A320 jets. Alaska Airlines followed suit on Dec. 20 , when a pair of 76-seat “regional” jets arrived from Seattle and San Diego. Alaska is coming to Eagle County with a “minimum revenue guarantee” common to airlines starting new routes. Those guarantees backstop airlines against losses if flights don’t have enough flights to be profitable. Frontier is coming to Eagle County without those guarantees and is instead putting various deals onto both its social media channels and its website, with fares to Denver as low as $19. Locals were taking advantage of the initial flights. One Eagle resident was getting aboard the first Frontier flight back to Denver to catch a connecting flight to Arizona, while an East Vail resident was ready to board the Alaska flight back to Seattle to visit family there. The Alaska flight will be through the winter. The Frontier flight may stretch past the winter, with some seasonal interruptions. — Scott Miller In September, the Eagle County School District was rocked by the dissemination of several messages that contained threats to students’ safety. While the initial messages came through social media, follow-up threats were called in directly to the Vail Public Safety Communications Center. Law enforcement agents from the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, the Eagle Police Department, the Avon Police Department and the Vail Police Department worked with state and federal agents to investigate the source of the threats and determine their credibility. The majority of the threats were identified as “swatting” incidents, in which illegal prank messages are sent to emergency services falsely reporting a serious crime or criminal threat to initiate an armed police turnout to a specific location. While the threats were under investigation, Eagle County School District Superintendent Phil Qualman opted to keep schools open. Students’ safety “is always our top priority,” Qualman said during the Sept. 11 school board meeting, which came in the middle of the week of threats. “In an effort to provide support and normalcy for our students, we made the decision to continue with classes and extracurriculars today with an increased police presence out of an abundance of caution.” Qualman cited the lack of credibility of the threats, and the need to keep students in school to prevent learning loss from online classes similar to that which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and said that although many students and families did ask to switch to remote learning, many also thanked him for the approach he took. “This district is not going to shut down again because of some random, anonymous threats that come across social media, a forum that is too easy to make anonymous threats,” Qualman said during the school board meeting. In an interview with the Vail Daily the week following the majority of the threats, Qualman stood by his decision. “For the most part, we believe that our actions were appropriate,” he said. Still, students, teachers and families expressed concerns for their own and their children’s safety to the school board and on social media, and some families chose to keep their students home from school. “I have never been more scared to attend school (than) this past week ever, in my 16 years of school,” said Victor Lopez, a student at Battle Mountain High School, during the school board meeting. “I was thinking ‘I would rather skip class and be alive than be in a hallway where there’s an active shooter.'” The majority of threats were tracked down by law enforcement. While some came from outside of the United States, in Eagle, a juvenile was identified and arrested within days in connection to threats made to Eagle Valley Middle School students. — Zoe Goldstein After years of fighting over a piece of land in town, the town of Vail and Vail Resorts agreed to settle the dispute for the greater benefit of the community. The controversy surrounded a parcel of land in East Vail which is home to a native herd of bighorn sheep. The parcel was long thought to be state, but in 2016 the Eagle County assessor determined that the true owner of the land was Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts paid back taxes for the property and in 2017 received new zoning for housing and conservation, followed by Town Council approval in 2019 for the construction of 61 units, including 49 deed-restricted apartments However, a referendum vote that reshaped the Town Council eventually led the town to pursue acquiring the land through eminent domain. That resulted in a legal battle which was finally settled in 2024, with Vail Resorts agreeing to drop all appeals regarding the eminent domain acquisition, and the town agreeing to prioritize the redevelopment of the West Lionshead area. The town agreed to partner with Vail Resorts to support the development of a base village on the site, which is anticipated to feature access to Vail Mountain along with new lodging, restaurants, boutiques, and skier services as well as community benefits such as workforce housing, public spaces, transit and parking. Vail Mayor Travis Coggin, who grew up in Vail, said the plan represents a shared goal for all parties involved. “We are in an era of renewed collaboration between the town and Vail Resorts,” Coggin said. “The entire Vail Town Council and I are excited to partner with Vail Resorts and East West Partners in a process to enable this exciting new base village for Vail Mountain, which will bring significant benefits to our guests and community.” Beth Howard, vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain, said the development of the West Lionshead base village will benefit the community as well as the resort’s employees and guests. “We look forward to this next chapter of building the future together,” Howard said. “And we appreciate that East West Partners is a part of the partnership, given they are known for creating meaningful places that bring people together, with creativity and expertise.” After almost 19 years, the mystery of Michelle Vanek’s disappearance may have been solved by an all-female search team. Vanek, a 35-year-old mother of four, went missing on Sept. 24, 2005 while on a hike to Mount of the Holy Cross — Eagle County’s tallest peak and only 14’er. An intense, eight-day search in 2005 failed to turn up any signs of the missing woman before it was called off due to inclement weather. In October 2022 a local man and his son were hiking off trail in a boulder field when they found a boot that was later identified as belonging to Vanek. That discovery prompted another search, but no other clues were found. In the fall of 2023, Vanek came in a dream to Vail Mountain Rescue Group Board President Scott Beebe, who told him she didn’t want to be found by men. Beebe turned over the case to the group’s growing number of female members. Those women took a deep dive into maps and files from previous years of searching, and set Aug. 20 as the date of its first organized search. On Sept. 13, team member Erika German and Zack Smith went into an area where they believed Vanek may have been, and found what are believed to have been Vanek’s belongings. While Eagle County Coroner Cara Bettis has not yet confirmed that the remains found at the site are those of Vanek, her family has been notified, and the belongings match those Vanek took into the backcountry with her.About half of consumers would switch banks if offered better perks at other banks. (Stock) Consumers tend to stick with their banks, but some can’t turn down incentives that certain online-only banks offer. More than one in three consumers in a Vericast study said they’ve had the same bank longer than they’ve had their current romantic partner. Customers appear to stick with the same bank out of convenience more than anything. About 46% of those surveyed said they would be open to switching to other financial institutions if those institutions could address their specific financial needs. When seeking new banks, customers are mainly interested in money-earning incentives. Two major motivators customers stated for potentially switching banks included seeking better rates and earning cash back for opening a new account. Consumers also appreciate the idea of checking account offers. "Consumers want to feel the love directly from their FI [financial institution]," said Lisa Nicholas, Vericast senior vice president of FI marketing products and strategy. "Perpetual changes in consumer behavior and mindset mean FIs need to be more tuned in than ever to the relationship they have with them. From understanding their financial goals to providing offers that support their needs, FIs must be focused on authentic and personalized connections with customers to bring them new and increased value." ATM locations were also important when considering customer satisfaction with banks. Nearly one in three survey respondents said having convenient ATM locations and a large network was important to them when considering a bank. To compare your lender options for personal loans, consider heading to Credible. With Credible, you can compare personal loan rates from multiple lenders without affecting your credit score. CONSUMERS SPEND MORE THAN $1 TRILLION ON INTEREST PAYMENTS, LARGELY DUE TO INCREASING CREDIT CARD DEBT Online-only banks have been a beacon of earnings for many customers. They often have low fees and sign-up incentives, making them attractive options. However, over the last year, customer satisfaction with online-only banks has fallen, a J.D. Power report found. Although satisfaction with online-only banks is still higher than traditional banks, online-only checking account satisfaction dropped by 27 points from 2023. Online-only savings accounts also dropped, but by just eight points. "Despite significant increases in deposit interest rates for both checking and savings accounts — but decreases in the proportion of customers who had to pay a fee or experienced a problem — overall satisfaction still declined," said Paul McAdam, J.D. Power senior director of banking and payments intelligence. "That’s because customers who experienced problems had a very tough time resolving them in a timely manner, causing satisfaction with the ease of problem resolution to decline sharply." Online banks also lacked in visual appeal and design upkeep in the last year, causing some consumers to consider switching. Plus, many customers don’t appreciate the small range of services offered by some online-only banks. The three banks ranked the highest in satisfaction for their checking accounts include Charles Schwab, Ally Bank and Capital One, respectively, J.D. Power reported. Savings account providers with the highest rankings include Goldman Sachs, Ally Bank and Capital One. Credible can help you find reputable personal loan lenders that provide timely funding. Visit Credible to explore rates and loan terms and find lenders fast . CREDIT CARD USAGE IS UP AS INFLATION CONTINUES TO RISE AI is a divisive topic in many industries, banking included. How and when it could make the lives of banking customers easier remains up for debate. Customers are torn, with 28% believing AI can help their banking experience, according to a J.D. Power report . An additional 17% think AI will make their lives worse, followed by a close 24% that haven’t fully formed an opinion on AI in the fintech world. Using AI on a regular basis, or at least being familiar with it, seems to help customers value the technology. Almost half of those with AI experience said it would likely help make their lives better compared to just 6% of those not familiar with AI. Customers on both sides reported that they could set aside any negative feelings toward AI if the tools it created helped make an immediate impact on their finances. When it comes to personal loan shopping, Credible can do the heavy lifting for you . With the click of a button, you can view multiple lenders, rates and terms in one spot. MANY PERSONAL LOAN BORROWERS RELY ON LOANS FOR EVERYDAY EXPENSES AS COST OF LIVING GROWS Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at moneyexpert@credible.com and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.
In a first, “underwater drones” capable of diving up to 100 meters will be deployed during the upcoming to provide round-the-clock surveillance at Sangam area in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, the Union Culture Ministry said on Sunday. Besides, renovation of 92 roads and construction of 30 pontoon bridges and installation of 800 multilingual signages are being undertaken there to facilitate the pilgrims and other visitors showcasing India’s culture and diversity. Expected to host over 40 crore devotees from across the globe, this 45-day festival from January 13 to February 26 will showcase and spiritual traditions. Also, the installation of 2,700 cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will provide “real-time monitoring” and facial recognition technology will be used at entry points for enhanced safety, the ministry said. “A team of 56 cyber warriors will monitor online threats. Cyber help desks are being set up in all police stations,” it said. Moreover, the construction of 30 pontoon bridges using 3,308 pontoons is underway and 28 are already operational. Further, over 50,000 personnel, including from the paramilitary forces, will be deployed.
Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of arming activists and Afghan nationals for the opposition party’s November 24 protest. In a press conference, the Punjab information minister said that ‘it was a solid report that the PTI has provided weapons to its “youth force as well as Afghan nationals” to disrupt the law and order situation during the party’s November 24 demonstration in Islamabad.’ She further said that that PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan “needs bodies” to further his agenda, and that Rs 2 billion will be spent in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for the planned “May 9 part Two” protests. Bokhari also criticised the government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) for its handling of security, pointing out that recent terrorist incidents in Kurram and Parachinar had been ignored in favour of focusing on the PTI protest. She accused K-P’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, of disregarding the situation in the province while stoking tensions by involving political figures like Bushra Bibi. The minister referenced the lack of response to ongoing violence in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, noting that over 40 people had been killed in recent attacks without any significant intervention from the provincial authorities. The Punjab government has also accused the PTI leadership of providing weapons to its supporters in preparation for tomorrow’s planned protest. Bokhari further criticised Bushra Bibi’s political involvement, suggesting that her engagement in political affairs was inappropriate, particularly in light of her role in the party’s internal dynamics. Previously, Bokhari made similar statements as she criticised K-P, describing it as a “hideout for terrorists,” urging the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to take immediate action. Speaking to the media in on September 10, Azma alleged that Zartaj Gul, whom she described as a “terrorist”, has found refuge in K-P. She questioned why no action was being taken and urged the judiciary to intervene. “I don’t want conflicts between provinces, we are all Pakistanis,” she added. She also expressed disapproval of the political maneuvering based on rumours and hearsay.
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No. 18 Mississippi 89, Alabama St. 24The Andrews/Allan Labor govt's greatest hits and missesFormer President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter died Sunday, coming up on two years after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9. Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. Carter, the longest-lived former president, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Biden also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday praised Carter for his significant contributions to international peace through the Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal treaties. “President Carter’s commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency,” Guterres said in a statement. "He played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication. These and other efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and helped advance the work of the United Nations. “President Carter will be remembered for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his abiding grace, and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity,” Guterres said. King Charles III joined leaders from around the world in issuing their condolences and sharing their reflections on the former president. “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter," the king said in a public statement. “He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977." President Joe Biden broke from his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands to remember Carter, recalling his predecessor as a role model and friend. America and the world lost a “remarkable leader” with Carter’s death, Biden said, adding that he had spoken to several of the former president's children and was working with them to formalize memorial arrangements in Washington. Speaking for roughly 10 minutes, Biden remembered Carter as a humanitarian and statesman, someone he couldn't imagine walking past a person in need without trying to help them. He represented “the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away,” Biden said. The president repeatedly praised Carter's “simple decency” and his values, saying some will see him as a man of honesty and humility from a bygone era. “I don’t believe it’s a bygone era. I see a man not only of our time, but for all times,” Biden said. “To know his core, you need to know he never stopped being a Sunday school teacher at that Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.” Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on X that Carter's significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel "will remain etched in the annals of history.” He went on to say Carter's “humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood.” Carter will be remembered as “one of the world’s most prominent leaders in service to humanity,” el-Sissi said. President Joe Biden will speak about Carter Sunday evening. The president will make his address from a hotel in St. Croix, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he is on a holiday vacation with his family. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had one of the great love stories and political partnerships in U.S. presidential history. The former president sometimes called his wife, who died Nov. 19. 2023, “Rosie,” which is a good way to remember how her name actually is pronounced. It is “ROSE-uh-lyn,” not, repeat NOT, “RAHZ-uh-lyn.” They were married more than 77 years but their relationship went back even further. Jimmy’s mother, “Miss Lillian,” delivered Eleanor Rosalynn Smith at the Smith home in Plains on Aug. 18, 1927. The nurse brought her eldest child back a few days later to visit, meaning the longest-married presidential couple met as preschooler and newborn. She became his trusted campaign aide and White House adviser, surprising Washington by sitting in on Cabinet meetings. Then they traveled the world together as co-founders of The Carter Center. Most of the nation saw the former president for the last time at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral. Jason Carter is now the chairman of The Carter Center’s board of governors. He said his grandparents “never changed who they were” even after reaching the White House and becoming global humanitarians. He says their four years in Washington were just one period of putting their values into action and that the center his grandparents founded in Atlanta is a lasting “extension of their belief in human rights as a fundamental global force.” Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter traveled the world advocating for democracy and fighting disease, but Jason Carter said they weren’t motivated by pity, or arrogance that a former American president had all the answers — they ventured to remote places because they could “recognize these people.” They too were from “a 600-person village” and understood that even the poorest people “have the power ... the ability ... the knowledge and the expertise to change their own community.” As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is remembering Carter as a man steeped “in devotion to public service and peace.” The California Democrat said in a statement Sunday that Carter was committed to “honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” something she said manifested in “teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.” Pelosi also said Carter led “perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted in a post on X the special contribution Carter made by brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and through his work with the Carter Center. “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad,” Starmer said. To commemorate Carter’s death, officials with the Empire State Building said in a post on social media that the iconic New York City landmark would be lit in red, white and blue on Sunday night, “to honor the life and legacy” of the late former president. In a statement issued Sunday, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said Carter’s beloved Maranatha Baptist Church “will be a little quieter on Sunday,s” but added that the late former president “will never be far away -- buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.” Noting the “hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews” to see the former president teach Sunday school, as he did “for most of his adult life,” the Obamas listed Carter’s accomplishments as president. But they made special note of the Sunday school lessons, saying they were catalysts for people making a pilgrimage to the church. “Many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.” The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world. Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David." After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said.
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