jili 777 casino NEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party headed for a victory Saturday in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state. Polling in the two states are seen as a test of Modi's popularity after his party returned to power in June national elections but was forced to form a coalition government with help from regional partners. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Politicians from the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling in second place before a general election next February, have adopted the Nazi practice of referring to Germany’s fallen soldiers as heroes to mark Germany’s Remembrance Day. Benjamin Nolte, a Bavarian state MP, invited people to join a “Heroes’ Remembrance” ceremony in the town of Weilheim last Sunday to mark Germany’s Volkstrauertag(People’s Day of Mourning). There were similar initiatives and social media posts from other AfD MPs and regional organisations as well as its youth arm, Young Alternative, which said it was commemorating the “brave heroes of our people”. The party, which is being monitored by intelligence services as a suspected right-wing extremist organisation, has seen a surge in support over immigration, the cost

INDIANAPOLIS — Death. Taxes. And Quenton Nelson. Star running back Jonathan Taylor suggested Thursday the Indianapolis Colts’ All-Pro left guard is one of life’s inevitabilities. A legion of NFL defenders likely would nod in resigned agreement. “Any time backs come in, I always tell them, ‘Listen, when in doubt, you know 5-6 (Nelson’s jersey number) will take you to the light,’ ” Taylor said. “But what he does is (a result of) preparation throughout the week, what he does in the offseason, his routine in season. He’s a true professional, and it shows week in, week out and year after year. So I’m just thankful, and I’m glad that I’m on a team with him.” Nelson played a pivotal role in Sunday’s 38-30 victory against the Tennessee Titans, helping to usher the way for Taylor to gain 218 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Colts gained a single-season franchise record 335 total yards on the ground, and Nelson shook off a fourth-quarter ankle injury to return even while many on the sideline suggested he should rest with the game apparently in hand. Nelson again put together a highlight reel of dominant blocks, none more impressive than his effort on quarterback Anthony Richardson’s 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. After pulling from his position, Nelson quickly got to the second level in front of Richardson and drove his defender through the back of the end zone. The quarterback essentially jogged into the end zone behind Nelson, untouched and unbothered. “It makes it easier for me,” Richardson said. “I get to see 56 running around. I just get to follow up behind him and let him do his dirty work, and I just follow up and get the touchdown. I get all the credit, but, no, he does all the dirty work for us. So we appreciate that for sure.” Nelson emphatically threw his arms up in celebration as Richardson crossed the goal line. That’s also in character for the hulking lineman. He’s almost always the first player to pick up a ball carrier after a run – no matter the distance from the line of scrimmage – and Richardson said Nelson often is happier than the player who scored each time Indianapolis finds the end zone. It’s a mentality Nelson said was installed by former Notre Dame offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, and his joy is the product of a total team effort. “There’s 11 guys doing their job for the common goal of scoring a touchdown and trying to win the game,” Nelson said. “Seeing it come to fruition after all the hard work we put in during the week is awesome.” Guard is far from a glamour position, and it’s not among the most highly valued roles in the NFL. Very few players at the position become stars. But Nelson is on another level. When he was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2018 after a sterling career for the Fighting Irish, Colts owner Jim Irsay immediately made Hall of Fame comparisons. Nelson has lived up to the high expectations with three first-team All-Pro nods and six Pro Bowl appearances in his first six seasons. He’s one of the most recognizable names on Indianapolis’ roster and a fan favorite. But, despite outside appearances, Nelson’s success was not inevitable. His unmatched drive and work ethic have allowed him to reach the game’s elite levels. “I think his competitive nature that he brings every single day, his toughness, his attitude, his love for the game, and he plays that way,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said of what sets Nelson apart. “I mean, he shows up for his guys every single day and does it the right way and plays for the guy next to him every single time. “He’s got that relentless determination that you want up front. Just a hell of a leader for us. And obviously, when we need a big play, too, a lot of the times he’s our lead blocker in those situations.” Tight end Mo Alie-Cox (toe), Richardson (back, foot) and linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) did not practice Thursday. Indianapolis reportedly is optimistic Richardson will be able to play Sunday against the New York Giants. Linebacker Jaylon Carlies (shoulder) and Nelson (ankle) were limited. Cornerback JuJu Brents (knee), cornerback Jaylon Jones (throat), wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) were full participants. Safety Raheem Lane (knee), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), cornerback Greg Stroman (shoulder, shin), running back Tyrone Tracy (ankle) and wide receiver Dee Williams (toe) did not practice for the Giants. Defensive tackle Cory Durden (shoulder), offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (wrist), quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) and offensive guard Greg Van Roten (knee) were limited.Billionaire Mark Cuban doesn't want to spoil his children. In November, Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson hosted The Steam Room Podcast, where billionaire Mark Cuban offered some frank observations about parenting. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping Cuban's response to Barkley's question about how he manages to avoid spoiling his children in spite of his enormous wealth is as incisive as it is straightforward: "It's my money, not yours,” as quoted in a report by Benzinga. Bill and Melinda Gates, who stressed a middle-class upbringing for their children, and Shaquille O'Neal, who famously remarked, "We ain't rich, I'm rich," share this sentiment. However, Cuban's discussion of his three children makes his perspective seem particularly intimate. Cuban said you think your kids are going to be like you and your wife, but they end up being their own little humans. One takes advantage, the other two don't, he said, describing the distinct personalities of his kids. When the middle one protests, my youngest son, who knows he'll give in, uses a little technology to his advantage. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Cuban, however, is adamant about keeping things grounded at home. They still have to wash dishes; they still have to clean up after themselves – most of the time, he stated. Although he admits that it's difficult, they're getting on a private plane most of the time, and it's not like they can hide it from them. He is adamant about avoiding the pitfalls of offering them material goods as a remedy. "Are you upset with me? I'll buy you something. Are you depressed? I'll buy you something. It simply does not operate that way. Teaching Life Lessons Beyond Wealth Coming from someone whose life appears to be anything but normal, the conversation feels surprisingly human. Talking about discipline when your children are flying coaches is one thing, but Cuban's viewpoint demonstrates that there are difficulties in raising grateful and great human beings, as Barkley described them, at every level. Other well-known people who share this mentality include Shaq, who demands that his children obtain two degrees before they can access his wealth. The fundamental idea? Your children should be challenged to find their own paths rather than being defined by their wealth. Cuban's honesty about his parenting style, balancing privilege with responsibility, might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but it's clear he's trying to do more than just raise rich kids; he's raising adults. FAQs How does Mark Cuban ensure that his children remain grounded despite his wealth? Mark Cuban involves his children in household chores such as dishwashing and avoids using material gifts to solve problems, instead teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility. What is Mark Cuban's parenting philosophy ? Cuban believes his wealth is his, not his children's, and focuses on raising independent, respectful adults who don’t rely on privilege for their sense of worth. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

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COLUMBIA — No. 19 South Carolina is the hottest team in the Southeastern Conference and on one of the most impressive streaks in the country. Can the Gamecocks stay locked in when it comes to Wofford, a six-touchdown underdog? South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders (5) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. "I would for mediocre people, I would say it's human nature" to let the focus wander, South Carolina linebacker Debo Williams said. "But we're not talking mediocre." Lately, the Gamecocks (7-3) have been extraordinary. They have won four straight in SEC play for the first time since Steve Spurrier was coach in 2012 and beaten three straight AP Top 25 opponents — Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Missouri — for the first time ever. "This is not recent years. This is not a recent team," Williams said. "We are putting it together and we've got to get better every single day." That includes, defensive lineman Alex Huntley said, putting in the same work for an FCS foe to prepare as they did for any of those noteworthy SEC victories. Wofford (5-6) has had its moments, although it has lost 17 straight against the Gamecocks and only once in the past 13 meetings have the Terriers come within single digits of their FBS opponent. "It's not about the team, it's about us," Huntley said. "So just attack everything the same exact way, don't change the routine." Terriers coach Shawn Watson understands the enormous task his team is facing Saturday in South Carolina. Watson recalled watching Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer at a new conference saying he did not want media to rank his team. "Because he knew what he had," Watson said. "They have great chemistry and are probably one of the hottest team, I think the hottest team in college football right now." Wofford is an FCS program in Spartanburg, South Carolina, that has built a strong football history the past four decades. The Terriers have been to 10 NCAA playoffs, the last trip coming in 2019. Watson, in his third season, and the team's five wins this year equal his total of the previous two. One of the school's football highlights came in 2007 when the Terriers handed Appalachian State its first loss after the Mountaineers had stunned top-five Michigan weeks earlier. South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers has settled into the starting job with his stellar play the second half of the season. He's passed for 1,010 yards and 10 touchdowns against just one interception in the Gamecocks four straight SEC victories. Last week, Sellers had five TD throws including an inside pass to Raheim Sanders he took 15 yards for the winning score against Missouri with 15 seconds left. It's sure to be an emotional time for Beamer as he and the Gamecock crowd say goodbye to the team's seniors who will be playing a final game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Beamer started tearing up, he acknowledged, when he filmed a video for the occasion earlier this week, in part because several of the players leaving chose to stay when Beamer took over four seasons ago. Gamecocks senior punter Kai Kroeger leads the SEC and is second nationally with a 47.7-yard average this season. When his football time is done, Kroeger said he wanted to work for the Secret Service or another federal law enforcement agency. Kroeger explained he'd had family friends follow that path and he became interested. Beamer got a text a few weeks back from Hootie and the Blowfish front-man Darius Rucker about donating to help the university's band fund their planned trip to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. "It took me five seconds to respond" with a yes, Beamer said as he, Rucker and women's basketball coach Dawn Staley each donated $25,000 for band expenses. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16. Australia’s new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life — formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they’re not ready for, the nation’s move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep. The ban won’t go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That’s not clear, nor will it be easy. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people’s lives that going cold turkey will be difficult. Other questions loom. Does the ban limit kids’ free expression and — especially for those in vulnerable groups — isolate them and curtail their opportunity to connect with members of their community? And how will social sites verify people’s ages, anyway? Can’t kids just get around such technicalities, as they so often do? This is, after all, the 21st century — an era when social media is the primary communications tool for most of those born in the past 25 years who, in a fragmented world, seek the common cultures of trends, music and memes. What happens when big swaths of that fall away? Is Australia’s initiative a good, long-time-coming development that will protect the vulnerable, or could it become a well-meaning experiment with unintended consequences? The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. “It’s clear that social media companies have to be held accountable, which is what Australia is trying to do,” said Jim Steyer, president and CEO of the nonprofit Common Sense Media. Leaders and parents in countries around the world are watching Australia’s policy closely as many seek to protect young kids from the internet’s dangerous corners — and, not incidentally, from each other. Most nations have taken different routes, from parental consent requirements to minimum age limits. Many child safety experts, parents and even teens who have waited to get on social media consider Australia’s move a positive step. They say there’s ample reason to ensure that children wait. “What’s most important for kids, just like adults, is real human connection. Less time alone on the screen means more time to connect, not less,” said Julie Scelfo, the founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, or MAMA, a grassroots group of parents aimed at combatting the harms of social media to children. “I’m confident we can support our kids in interacting in any number of ways aside from sharing the latest meme.” The harms to children from social media have been well documented in the two decades since Facebook’s launch ushered in a new era in how the world communicates. Kids who spend more time on social media, especially as tweens or young teenagers, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, according to multiple studies — though it is not yet clear if there is a causal relationship. What’s more, many are exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age, including pornography and violence, as well as social pressures about body image and makeup. They also face bullying, sexual harassment and unwanted advances from their peers as well as adult strangers. Because their brains are not fully developed, teenagers, especially younger ones the law is focused on, are also more affected by social comparisons than adults, so even happy posts from friends can send them into a negative spiral. Many major initiatives, particularly those aimed at social engineering, can produce side effects — often unintended. Could that happen here? What, if anything, do kids stand to lose by separating kids and the networks in which they participate? Paul Taske, associate director of litigation at the tech lobbying group NetChoice, says he considers the ban “one of the most extreme violations of free speech on the world stage today” even as he expressed relief that the First Amendment prevents such law in the United States “These restrictions would create a massive cultural shift,” Taske said. “Not only is the Australian government preventing young people from engaging with issues they’re passionate about, but they’re also doing so even if their parents are ok with them using digital services,” he said. “Parents know their children and their needs the best, and they should be making these decisions for their families — not big government. That kind of forcible control over families inevitably will have downstream cultural impacts.” David Inserra, a fellow for Free Expression and Technology, Cato Institute, called the bill “about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike” in a recent blog post. While Australia’s law doesn’t require “hard verification” such as an uploaded ID, he said, it calls for effective “age assurance.” He said no verification system can ensure accuracy while also protecting privacy and not impacting adults in the process. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about the law’s effect on online anonymity, a cornerstone of online communications — and something that can protect teens on social platforms. “Whether it be religious minorities and dissidents, LGBTQ youth, those in abusive situations, whistleblowers, or countless other speakers in tricky situations, anonymous speech is a critical tool to safely challenge authority and express controversial opinions,” Inserra said. A spot check of kids at one mall in the Australian city of Brisbane on Wednesday didn’t turn up a great deal of worry, though. “Social media is still important because you get to talk to people, but I think it’s still good that they’re like limiting it,” said Swan Son, a 13-year-old student at Brisbane State High School. She said she has had limited exposure to social media and wouldn’t really miss it for a couple of years. Her parents already enforce a daily one-hour limit. And as for her friends? “I see them at school every day, so I think I’ll be fine.” Conor Negric, 16, said he felt he’d dodged a bullet because of his age. Still, he considers the law reasonable. “I think 16 is fine. Some kids, I know some kids like 10 who’re on Instagram, Snapchat. I only got Instagram when I was 14.” His mom, Sive Negric, who has two teenage sons, said she was happy for her boys to avoid exposure to social media too early: “That aspect of the internet, it’s a bit `meanland.'” Parents in Britain and across Europe earlier this year organized on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to promise not to buy smartphones for children younger than 12 or 13. This approach costs almost no money and requires no government enforcement. In the United States, some parents are keeping kids off social media either informally or as part of an organized campaign such as Wait Until 8th, a group that helps parents delay kids’ access to social media and phones. This fall, Norway announced plans to ban kids under 15 from using social media, while France is testing a smartphone ban for kids under 15 in a limited number of schools — a policy that could be rolled out nationwide if successful. U.S. lawmakers have held multiple congressional hearings — most recently in January — on child online safety. Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding. In July, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content, pushing forward with what would be the first major effort by Congress in decades to hold tech companies more accountable. But the Kids Online Safety Act has since stalled in the House. While several states have passed laws requiring age verification, those are stuck in court. Utah became the first state to pass laws regulating children’s social media use in 2023. In September, a judge issued the preliminary injunction against the law, which would have required social media companies to verify the ages of users, apply privacy settings and limit some features. NetChoice has also obtained injunctions temporarily halting similar laws in several other states. And last May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said there is insufficient evidence to show social media is safe for kids. He urged policymakers to treat social media like car seats, baby formula, medication and other products children use. “Why should social media products be any different? Scelfo said. “Parents cannot possibly bear the entire responsibility of keeping children safe online, because the problems are baked into the design of the products.” ___ Associated Press Writers John Pye in Brisbane, Australia and Laurie Kellman in London contributed to this story. Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in Enrollment in North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort toMathias Brunet Makes a Big Statement on Patrik Laine, and There's an Update on His Injury

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777 jili casino online games From Revitalizing Stores to Opening New Doors, Keenum Brings Legit. Texas. Barbecue. to More Communities Doug Keenum and Team Dickey's Barbecue in Clarksville, TN Doug began his barbecue journey by taking over the Madison Street location in Clarksville, TN, in August 2022. "The Madison location had a challenging reputation,” Keenum recalls. "We brought that one back to life, and now it's getting great feedback from our guests.” Building on this success, Keenum opened a new Dickey's location on Fort Campbell Blvd. in Clarksville in July 2024, just a stone's throw from the local military base. "This store has been an exciting addition,” says Keenum. "We're working hard to introduce our brand to more of the Clarksville community and make this location a favorite among military families.” In August 2024, Keenum expanded again, taking over an existing location in Brentwood, TN, just outside Nashville. "This location is another opportunity to make a positive impact,” says Keenum. "We're focused on improving operations and creating a welcoming environment for our guests.” Doug's efforts exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Dickey's franchisees. Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., praises his resilience and strategic growth. "Doug's dedication to excellence and his ability to revitalize locations are truly inspiring,” she says. "He's a tremendous asset to the Dickey's family, and his success showcases the power of hard work and community focus.” Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, echoes these sentiments. "Doug has embraced the life of franchise ownership,” Roland says. "His growth in Tennessee reflects the strength of the Dickey's brand and the entrepreneurial vision that drives it forward.” Doug's three Tennessee locations are part of his mission to bring Legit. Texas. Barbecue. to more communities. With a focus on quality, hospitality, and community engagement, Keenum continues to expand and enhance the Dickey's experience for families across the state. About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts-because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr ., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com Attachment Doug Keenum and Team CONTACT: Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit [email protected]The US Government Releases First-Ever Quadrennial Supply Chain Review

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Japanese artist finds solace and global fans with intricate leaf-cuttingThe Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Dr Shaibu Hussieni, has declared that things are going fine for Nigerian Cinema going by the report of increased revenue in ticket sales. Hussein who stated this at the Nollywood Creative Minds Forum’s 6th Annual Gathering themed, “In pursuit of Better” held at Lekki, Lagos, stated in his keynote address that “This year alone saw a 120% surge in revenue at the box office and an increase in ticket purchases”. This piece of cheering news is coming even in the midst of inflation and general rise in commodity prices. The Censors Board boss who commended the group for creating such a platform for Stakeholders to discuss and proffer solutions, also reminded the forum that the road to excellence in Nollywood is turbulent. In a statement released by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, Shuaibu, noted that the forum has facilitated partnerships and collaborations between Nollywood creatives and industry stakeholders. He acknowledged Nollywood’s tremendous growth, citing a significant increase in production quality, audience engagement, and global recognition and also embracing new technologies, techniques, ideas as well as fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing as conditions necessary for achieving excellence in filmmaking. Hussein assured the forum that to achieve this vision, the NFVCB is committed to providing support and resources to filmmakers, including: capacity-building programs and workshops with plans to establish producers, exhibitors and distributors lab. Secondly, the NFVCB’s Board, noted that there was a plan to make access to funding and investment opportunities easier adding that under his watch, he will assist stakeholders secure Letters of endorsement to those wishing to establish cinema, distribution and exhibition infrastructure. Thirdly, he noted that international collaborations and partnerships would be facilitated and urged stakeholders to continue to strive for excellence, emphasizing that the pursuit of a better filmmaking tradition requires a collective effort. He emphasized the need to NCMF to focus on quality storytelling stressing the importance of authentic, engaging stories reflective of diverse experiences and Professionalism, which entails adhering to industry standards, best practices and ethical guidelines.

DXP Enterprises Stock Hits 52-Week High at $74.31 Amid Growth SurgeShare Tweet Share Share Email Books have a unique power to transport readers across time and space, offering insights into the lives, history, and culture of faraway places. Sierra Leone, with its rich heritage and complex history, has inspired countless stories that reflect its resilience, beauty, and struggles. From novels to memoirs, Sierra Leonean literature provides a lens into the nation’s soul, allowing readers to connect with its history, culture, and dreams. Here are five must-read books from Sierra Leone that will captivate your imagination and deepen your understanding of this remarkable country. 1. The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna A masterful novel by the acclaimed Scottish-Sierra Leonean writer Aminatta Forna, The Memory of Love explores the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s Civil War through the intertwined lives of three men—a history professor, a doctor, and a surgeon. This poignant story delves into personal and collective trauma, healing, and love in the shadow of conflict. If you enjoy Forna’s storytelling, don’t miss her memoir, The Devil that Danced on the Water, which provides a deeply personal account of her childhood and her father’s tragic story, offering a gripping perspective on Sierra Leone’s political past. 2. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah This harrowing memoir recounts Ishmael Beah’s experiences as a child soldier during Sierra Leone’s Civil War. Beah was kidnapped, forced into combat, and exposed to unimaginable horrors. His narrative follows his journey from captivity and trauma to rescue, adoption, and eventual advocacy as a UNICEF ambassador . A Long Way Gone sheds light on the human cost of war while offering a story of resilience and hope. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of conflict on Sierra Leone’s youth and the strength it takes to rebuild. 3. The Last Harmattan of Alusine Dunbar by Syl Cheney-Coker Syl Cheney-Coker’s novel blends history, magic, and realism to tell the story of a fictional nation reminiscent of Sierra Leone. Spanning centuries, the narrative traces the arrival of formerly enslaved Africans and the country’s evolution to the present day. With its rich symbolism and poetic prose, The Last Harmattan of Alusine Dunbar captures the spirit of Sierra Leone’s history and culture, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction. 4. Breaking the Maafa Chain by Anni Domingo This historical novel follows the lives of two sisters torn apart by the transatlantic slave trade. One sister is taken to England and becomes the goddaughter of Queen Victoria, while the other endures life in an American labor camp. Through the sisters’ stories, Breaking the Maafa Chain sheds light on the horrors of slavery and the resilience of those who lived through it. It’s a compelling and emotional read that ties Sierra Leone’s history to the broader African diaspora. 5. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna Namina Forna’s debut novel combines fantasy and folklore, drawing inspiration from the legendary Dahomey Amazons. Set in a fictional world where a woman’s worth is tied to her purity, the story follows a young girl who is deemed impure but discovers extraordinary powers. While rooted in fantasy, The Gilded Ones resonates with themes of empowerment and resilience, echoing the strength of Sierra Leonean women and their stories. It’s a gripping tale that bridges cultural heritage and imaginative storytelling. Discover Sierra Leone Through Its Stories These five books offer a rich tapestry of Sierra Leone’s history , culture, and imagination. Whether you’re exploring the trauma of war, the magic of folklore, or the enduring spirit of its people, these stories provide a profound connection to the nation’s heart. Reading Sierra Leonean literature is not just an act of learning—it’s an invitation to experience the beauty and complexity of a country through the eyes of its storytellers. So, grab one of these titles, settle into your favorite reading spot, and let Sierra Leone’s vibrant narratives transport you. Related Items: and Stories , Culture , History , Read Books Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Crafting Playful, Culture-Driven Digital Narratives: Christie Wu on Designing for the Mumbai Gallery Association and Beyond From Rebellion to Runway: Leather’s Fashion History Creating a Proactive Maintenance Culture: the Leadership of Mohammad Rahman Comments

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Hyatt stock soars to all-time high of $162.26 amid robust growthLUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Tahj Brooks ran for a season-high 188 yards and three touchdowns in the final home game for Texas Tech's all-time leading rusher, and the Red Raiders rolled to a 52-15 victory over West Virginia on Saturday. Texas Tech (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) kept alive faint hopes for a bid in the Big 12 championship game by winning at least eight games in the regular season for the first time since 2009 under the late Mike Leach. The Red Raiders scored at 50 points for the second week in a row and had a resounding response to consecutive home losses. “It was a big deal for us to play well at home,” coach Joey McGuire said. “Our last two home games, we’ve had incredible crowds that had great energy, that had our backs and we played really, really bad. We were embarrassed.” Garrett Greene threw an interception and lost a fumble on Terrell Tilmon's strip sack in the final three minutes of the first half as the Mountaineers (6-6, 5-4) raised more questions about the future of coach Neal Brown by falling behind 35-3 before the break. Behren Morton threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns, including a 31-yarder to Caleb Douglas to put Texas Tech in front 42-3 early in the second half. Josh Kelly had 150 yards receiving. “I don’t think the first half of football defines who they are, who they are as individuals, who we are as a team,” Brown said of the Mountaineers. “Not pleased with that.” McGuire, who will have his third winning record in three seasons, called timeout with 5:57 remaining and his team leading 45-15 to take Brooks out of the game. Brooks was mobbed by teammates as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Brooks ran for at least 100 yards in all 11 regular-season games he played, breaking the single-season school record of 10 he shared with Byron Hanspard and Bam Morris. Brooks pushed his career total to 4,557 yards in his first home game since breaking Hanspard's 1996 school record of 4,219 yards two weeks ago at Jones AT&T Stadium. Two of Brooks' TDs came on 2-yard runs from direct snaps, and the other was a 37-yarder when he stumbled on a cut but stayed on his feet and bounced off defensive back Ty French. Brooks has 17 TDs rushing this season and 45 for his career. Brooks set up one of his short TDs with a 30-yard catch. Jahiem White ran for 124 yards with a spinning 21-yard touchdown for West Virginia, and Greene had a 15-yard scoring toss to Rodney Gallagher III. Greene threw two picks. West Virginia: A perfect season on the road in the Big 12 ended with a thud. The Mountaineers were 3-0 away from home in conference before allowing 29 second-quarter points followed by another TD just 2:12 into the third. Texas Tech: Tight end Jalin Conyers, one of Brooks' fellow seniors playing his final home game, made up a for a dropped pass in the end zone with a juggling, diving catch for 18 yards to set up Morton's 1-yard scoring toss to Mason Tharp. Conyers, an Arizona State transfer, also had a 2-point conversion run on a swinging gate play from the PAT unit. Both teams are eligible for bowl games. At game's end, Texas Tech's fate for a spot in the Big 12 title game was still up in the air. ___ 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-footballMoney Research Collective’s editorial team solely created this content. Opinions are their own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear. Many featured companies advertise with us. How we make money . By Kat Tretina MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE December 5, 2024 China is a powerful force to be reckoned with. According to Safeguard Global, the country has the second largest economy based on its gross domestic product, which stands at $14.7 trillion in 2024. China’s role as an economic powerhouse is particularly evident through the lens of the global gold market, in which the nation plays a substantial role. China is the largest producer of gold in the world, and there is also significant demand within the country for gold jewelry and other products, which drives consumption. What’s driving China’s role in the gold market ? There are several factors, including cultural traditions, manufacturing needs and concerns about investments. China’s history with gold China has a long relationship with gold . Its use in the country dates back to the Han dynasty as early as 206 BC, and it’s since been used as currency, for making jewelry and even as part of worship. In 1978, when China re-entered the international economy and resumed trade with other countries, the gold market shifted. China transformed into an industrial powerhouse, and gold played a major role; along with jewelry, gold is frequently used in the creation of electronics, medical devices and in the automotive industry. In 1983, China allowed its citizens to own gold — private gold ownership was previously prohibited — and it created the Shanghai Gold Exchange, major milestones for the gold industry. Those changes began China’s transition to a gold superpower, as the government accumulated its gold reserves and gold mining within the country accelerated. China and gold: its impact today China is a huge presence in the gold market for both production and consumption: China is responsible for about 11% of global gold production, making it the largest producer of gold in the world. In fact, since it overtook South Africa for the lead in 2007, it has dominated the gold production market. According to Mining Technology, there are over 1,300 gold mines in the world, and China operates 117 of them. In 2023, China produced 370 tons of gold. To put that in perspective, that’s more than double the gold production of the U.S. The five largest mines in the country include: Gold is an important part of China’s economy, particularly in the manufacturing industry. China’s chief exports are electronics, machinery and vehicles — all segments that require gold. The Central Bank of China has been buying gold to bolster its reserves, moving its reserves away from traditional assets like U.S. Treasury debt. Its accumulation of gold has helped drive the price of gold . In China, gold was traditionally a common gift, particularly for brides, new parents and for the Lunar New Year, which helped drive its jewelry market. However, as the country has become richer and its citizens more wealthy, purchasing gold for personal use or investments is increasingly common as a status symbol. Right now, China is facing some issues with deflation , meaning prices across the economy have dropped. Combined with a volatile stock market and difficult real estate market, gold can be an appealing alternative for investors . Gold as an investment is particularly popular among young adults interested in alternative assets. Gone are the days when investors needed thousands of dollars or Chinese Yuan to purchase gold; today, Chinese investors can buy “gold beans” — as the name implies, small nuggets of gold — that cost less than $100 per bean. Gold beans have gone viral on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, and mainstream jewelry stores have addressed the trend by selling gold beans in glass jars in their stores. In fact, Chinese consumers between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely to purchase pure gold than any other age group, according to a report by the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group. The increased demand for gold as an investment — and the availability of smaller, more accessible gold for investing — played a major role in China’s gold rush, with gold premiums reaching a then-all-time high in 2023. Outlook for China’s gold market Although the gold industry in China is still booming, there are some signs it’s cooling down. Record-high gold prices may have affected consumers, as gold jewelry sales dropped significantly in October 2024. China saw a slight decrease in gold production; for the first three quarters of 2024, its total production dropped by -1.17%. If gold prices remain high, that could continue the downward trend of jewelry sales, but it could increase the demand for gold for investments. How China’s gold market can affect you Because of China’s significant presence in the gold industry, many economists believe that gold prices and demand are affected not by the economy, but by Chinese investors themselves. With so many Chinese investors and consumers purchasing gold, it has markedly increased demand for the precious metal, which subsequently drives up prices. If you’re looking to invest in gold , China’s gold industry and its outlook is encouraging. However, it’s always important to diversify your portfolio so your investments aren’t concentrated in a single asset class. If you do invest in precious metals, investing in traditional securities — such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds or ETFs — can give you a well-rounded portfolio.

88 jili casino Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Photo: RNZ By Craig McCulloch of RNZ Analysis - Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is loath to spend too much time looking backwards. In a half-hour interview with RNZ marking the coalition's anniversary, he hails its record as a success, reflecting on a year of seismic policy shifts and corresponding protest. Luxon not budging on $1.9b hospital cost But invited to share any lessons from his first year as PM, Luxon draws something of a blank: "There's a lot of challenge in the job, the hard stuff comes your way, but that hasn't been surprising. "There's no real surprises for me." Asked what he might do differently with hindsight, Luxon offers up only some communication difficulties "on the margins". "I don't think there's much I'd do differently," he says. "The big things that we've got to get right for the future of the country ... I'm very satisfied with." What about the cancer drugs promise? "I think there was a communication challenge initially... but I'm very proud of where we got to." And his housing allowance faux pas? "Yeah, yeah. I mean, yeah, all that sort of stuff, but I moved on that pretty quickly." Luxon also declines the opportunity to consider whether he would renegotiate any parts of the coalition agreement if he could turn back time. "I don't think there's any value in that sort of exercise." Treaty Principles Bill worth it to form government, PM says The most contentious element of the coalition agreement has undoubtedly proven to be the Treaty Principles Bill, championed by ACT leader David Seymour. ACT had wanted to take it all the way to a public referendum, but National agreed only to send it through one vote and then off to select committee. At first, Luxon hedged over whether National would vote the bill down at second reading, saying only that that was the party's "intention". Only after Waitangi Day did he firm up that commitment. The decision to allow the bill even a short life-span has prompted widespread protest, culminating in a hīkoi to Parliament, the largest to ever reach the capital. Given the obvious angst and division on display, was it still a worthwhile deal? Was it all worth it for Luxon to form government? To that, he says: "Yeah, because it's part of... the reality of being a political leader in a coalition in an MMP environment. "You have to do deals, you have to do compromises, you have to do trade-offs. It's naive, I think, to think otherwise." Former National minister Christopher Finlayson has publicly opined that Luxon should have called Seymour's bluff and spurned the deal, suggesting that is what former prime minister Sir John Key would have done. But Luxon disagrees: "Each leader faces a different set of challenges, and 2008 is very different from 2023." PM doesn't begrudge ACT undermining and criticising his position As well as prompting such public opposition, the Treaty Principles deal has at times seemed to strain coalition relations, or at least the public perception. Luxon has repeatedly had his statements on the topic undercut by his coalition partner. Seymour once described Luxon's position on the Treaty Principles Bill as "disrespectful and anti-democratic" and said National was afraid of the "hard issues". Such comments are "quite fine", Luxon tells RNZ, and simply part of the "maturity of MMP". He says such differences are common in coalitions across Western Europe. "There's been no dramas and screaming, shouting, ranting or raving," he says. "We don't run that way. It's a pretty calm... and consistent show." And he invites people to compare that with the approach of previous coalitions. "You look at other coalition governments in recent times, and you haven't got the parties actually even talking to each other," Luxon says. "[They're] communicating formally through written text and letters and all that stuff, and through staff, rather than through the leaders. "Is there a risk for Luxon that in allowing the minor parties such public freedom, that they are perceived as the ones pulling the strings? Luxon does not think that is the view of voters: "They like this government. They see it as being coherent. They see it as being coordinated." And yet the ACT party itself has boasted of its "disproportionate impact" in the coalition, claiming credit for many of the policy decisions. Winston Peters, Christopher Luxon, David Seymour. PHOTO: ODT FILES A 1News Verian poll in April found 51 percent of voters thought the prime minister had the most influence on government decisions. That compared with 23 percent who named Peters and 10 percent who named Seymour. In about six months - at roughly the same time the Treaty Principles Bill is expected to return to Parliament to be voted down - Seymour will take the reins as deputy prime minister from NZ First leader Winston Peters. Luxon rejects any suggestion there might be difficulty with that transition: "You've got to understand the dynamic we have... it's highly functioning." Luxon takes credit for lower inflation but not higher unemployment; refuses to give surplus commitment The National Party was elected on a platform of "delivery", a response to the previous Labour government's woeful record on the likes of KiwiBuild and Auckland light rail. As such, Luxon has established a series of public targets and goals: "We don't want to just be another government that boils the ocean." No surprise then that he's keen to talk about areas where the government has made progress, such as emergency housing, where the number of families living in motels has dropped by more than half. Luxon similarly touts his government's "fiscal policy and fiscal discipline" for helping to bring inflation back to 2.2 percent, down from 5.6 percent. He refuses, however, to take any responsibility for the increasing unemployment over the same period. The unemployment rate has climbed from 3.9 percent to 4.8 percent, meaning 30,000 more people are now unemployed. Luxon argues that is a lag effect from Labour's mismanagement and says the plan now is to grow the economy. "[Labour] took the keys to the car, they drove it full bore into a big ditch, and we're now hauling it out of the ditch and getting it turned up the right way and into first and second gear." Alas, the economy right now is in recession, with dismal growth rates. In its most recent update, Treasury warned the government's financial outlook was deteriorating due to a falling tax take, making it harder to bring the books back to balance. Tellingly, Luxon refuses to commit to returning to surplus in 2027/28 as indicated in the last Budget. Already, that was a year later than National had promised on the campaign trail. "We'll have more to say when we see the forecasts and the latest updates coming forward." Tough on crime? Gang numbers up, police numbers down National also campaigned on "restoring law and order", but despite the government's much-publicised gang crackdown, the number of people on the National Gang List has increased by nearly 200. Luxon says that amounts to a 1 percent jump and claims the coalition has "stabilised gang growth" compared to the explosion under Labour. But the police also removed almost 800 names off that list this year in a special audit. The number of people on the National Gang List has increased by nearly 200. File photo: NZME Luxon simply does not want to hear it: "You'd be insane to argue, mate, that that was a great record from the Labour government ... but more importantly, what we're interested in is actually seeing a reduction in crime." Last week, the government celebrated a 3 percent drop in overall victimisations between January and the end of September. Theft and related offences, however, had jumped by 12 percent. Is that really a grand success? Luxon thinks so: "Isn't that great? It's a start, isn't it? It's better than where we were heading under the previous lot." And if the statistics bounce up again? "I'll be very accountable about it. I don't have a problem with accountability." The coalition has also struggled to make traction on its promise to boost the size of the police force. The National-NZ First agreement pledges to increase police by 500 over two years. But, now at the halfway point, the number of officers has dropped by 52, meaning the government is further away from its goal than a year ago. Still, Luxon insists the government will be able to turn it around through record recruitment: "It's going to be pretty challenging, but we're going to do it. "Judge me by the results when we get there." Talk to you again this time next year, prime minister.Coleen Rooney slams 'dirty b**tard' Donald Trump as she stuns I'm A Celeb campmates by recalling unlikely meeting with 'very orange' President elect at the White House during his first termBlinken faces criticism over Afghan withdrawal

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SEOUL, South Korea , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hugel Inc., a leading global medical aesthetics company, said on Friday it will spur expansion in the botulinum toxin market of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) via a strategic partnership with Dubai -headquartered aesthetic and medical distribution partner Medica Group. The two companies have recently entered into an agreement to bolster the distribution of Hugel's toxin Botulax in the key markets of the region. Hugel, which exports its own toxin to 64 markets including the US, Europe and China , the world's three largest toxin buyers, obtained sales approval for Botulax in the Middle East last year. Medica Group is a leading player in the region and has strong distribution networks through its head office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and branches in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon . The company distributes medical aesthetic products from about 30 global brands, proving their solid know-how in the field and strong execution capabilities in the MENA. The MENA is one of the fastest growing regions for medical aesthetics, driven by strong economic momentum, favorable demographic characteristics, increasing accessibility to social media as well as social and consumption transformation. Hugel's Executive Chairman, Suk Cha , commented on the partnership: "We are very pleased to enter into this strategic collaboration with Medica Group. The Middle East represents a key market for Hugel, with its rapidly growing demand for medical aesthetic treatments. We have chosen Medica Group as our distributor because they share our commitment to excellence and quality. Their proven expertise, extensive reach and deep understanding of the region make them the ideal partner to bring our Botulax product to this dynamic region. Botulax is recognized globally for its quality, and we are confident that, through this partnership, it will become a leading choice for medical professionals and patients in the Middle East and Africa ." Andre Daoud , CEO of Medica Group, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "Our partnership with Hugel marks a key milestone for us as we continue to expand our portfolio and lead the aesthetics market with global solutions. The introduction of Botulax in the Middle East and Africa offers healthcare professionals access to a world-class botulinum toxin that is highly trusted for its quality, safety, and performance. This strategic partnership aligns with our mission to provide advanced, innovative products and services that meet the demands of the region's growing beauty and medical aesthetics market. Hugel's global expertise, combined with our deep local knowledge and network, will create tremendous value for our customers and their patients." About Hugel Established in 2001, Hugel is a leading global medical aesthetics company that manufactures injectables for skin rejuvenation such as botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers and skin boosters as well as absorbable sutures and cosmetics products. The company is the only South Korean supplier to the world's three largest botulinum toxin markets, the US, China and Europe . It exports medical aesthetic products and devices to around 70 countries and operates eight global subsidiaries in the US, Australia , Canada , Taiwan , China , Hong Kong and Singapore . About Medica Group A leading partner in the field of aesthetic medicine, Medica Group continues to push the boundaries of beauty and wellbeing in the region. Being at the forefront of the industry, the group is renowned for its innovative approach, state-of-the-art solutions with a solid commitment to delivering outstanding results and setting new standards in aesthetics. A trusted partner for international aesthetic brands, Medica showcases a commitment to excellence and quality through the technologies of its product and services, and the collaboration of the aesthetic medicine community. Contact: Jihyun Kim , Manager of the PR Team, Hugel jihyun.kim@hugel-inc.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hugel-and-medica-join-forces-to-boost-botulinum-toxin-sales-in-middle-east-north-africa-302313729.html SOURCE HugelChili’s and Applebee’s are fighting about their value meals

A civil jury in Ireland finds that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor assaulted a woman in a hotel. (CORRECTS: A previous APNewsAlert misstated the claim the jury found him liable for.)Originally published by The 19th In the days following the 2024 presidential election, Barb Byrum of Michigan watched open skepticism pour in online about former President Donald Trump’s win over Vice President Kamala Harris . Some questioned how there could be lower overall voter turnout compared to four years ago, especially when there was record early voting in some states . Others wondered how enthusiasm for Harris — who packed campaign rallies in the final weeks of the election — could translate into more votes for Trump. And yet others raised the possibility that their votes hadn’t actually been recorded. There is no proof of widespread voter fraud, and officials who oversee the country’s decentralized election system have praised how smoothly the process played out this year . That hasn’t stopped suspicions from manifesting on several social media platforms. But Byrum — herself a Harris supporter and a former Democratic state representative — does nonpartisan work as the chief elections official in Ingham County, which includes part of the state capital of Lansing. Byrum was wearing that hat as she started debunking conspiracy theories, something she also did in 2020 when Trump challenged the election results and some of his supporters began spreading unfounded doubt. “In the end, we must combat mis- and disinformation,” Byrum told The 19th. “No matter who is saying it, it is imperative that we bring truth and shed light.” Byrum has been addressing the incoming false narratives that she encounters on different social media accounts since the election. No, results were not manipulated or sent via the internet , she explained. And yes, there are multiple ways for voters in the state to know whether their vote was counted or not, as Byrum provided in a step-by-step explainer that included screenshots of the status page. “I don’t think it’s election denialism yet, but if it's allowed to persist, it will go in that direction,” she said of the narratives floating around. “Right now, people are grieving the loss of their candidate and they’re trying to understand.” Byrum’s efforts show the lengths to which some election officials — a predominantly women-led workforce — are taking to restore trust in how elections are administered . But while allegations of widespread voter fraud did not derail vote counting for the presidential race nor pose serious security issues like some experts had worried, Byrum’s debunking still signals the bumpy road ahead for those who will grapple with future claims — and there’s no immediate end to the work. “We’re at such a low point of trust in institutions and media,” said Isabel Linzer, an elections and democracy fellow at the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) , a research and policy organization that works to improve technology in spaces like elections. “It’s not a surprise that we see election denialism continuing.” Trump won more votes than Harris in the Electoral College, and he is on track to win the popular vote. The president-elect’s margin of victory in key battleground states was wide enough that major media outlets were able to project his win in the early morning hours after election night — a stark contrast to 2020 when it took several days to determine President Joe Biden had won. Votes are still being counted and processed in several states during the post-election canvassing period, but there is enough information available that indicates Trump made in-roads with voters across race, gender and ethnicity, among other demographics . And irrespective of rally sizes and on-the-ground enthusiasm for the candidates, most polls showed a close race going into Election Day. The final tally of votes is expected to reflect that. Narratives about widespread voter fraud flourished in the lead-up to November 5, in part because Trump has spread unfounded conspiracy theories about it over several years. That contributed to a more organized election denialism movement that now includes some election officials . It’s also a message that members of Congress concluded directly led to the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Election officials have been on the receiving end of the conspiracy theories. After 2020, they reported harassment, intimidation and threats of violence . They advocated for federal support and policies to protect their safety . They tried to bring transparency to the election process, offering tours of ballot processing facilities and other public events. They still dealt with a flood of disinformation . Tina Barton is a senior election expert for The Elections Group , which aims to build trust and stronger relationships between election officials and law enforcement. She believes the scope of election denialism in the post-November 5 sphere has been contained in part because of the work that election officials have done to prepare, including running through security scenarios and efforts to debunk lies. “We have come a long way from where we were four years ago, and I give a lot of credit to the election officials for the work that they have done, and so many partners and groups who have been dedicated to the election process and democracy,” she said. Trump said during his third bid for the presidency this year that he would not fully accept the results of the election. Early on November 5, he claimed without evidence that cheating was taking place in Philadelphia and that there was related police presence in Detroit — two cities with large populations of Black voters who tend to vote for Democrats. For those reasons, voting experts expected Trump to challenge the results if he lost. But as incoming vote tallies on election night showed Trump in the lead, his messaging on the subject stopped. He has primarily turned his attention to announcing his picks for Cabinet and other government roles . Harris never publicly questioned the results, and like Hillary Clinton in 2016, she conceded the day after the election — ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. Still, other forms of election denialism are playing out elsewhere on the internet. Some of Trump’s supporters are pointing to Trump’s win as proof that he also won in 2020. He did not, as determined by audits, lawsuits and his own administration . When Byrum did similar debunking following Trump’s loss to Biden, she was surprised at the verbal vitriol that came in response. This time, Byrum is seeing something different: people are thanking her for the explanations. “They’re trying to process the information,” she said. “And the response that I've received thus far has been very positive.” In recent days, billionaire investor Elon Musk has also claimed without evidence that Democrats are trying to cheat in the close Pennsylvania Senate race between Republican Dave McCormick and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey. McCormick leads Casey in unofficial results that are within half of a percentage point — triggering a legally required statewide recount that is scheduled to be completed later this month. The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ have called the race for McCormick. But Casey has not conceded in the race amid ongoing ballot counting. Musk — who endorsed Trump, financially supported his candidacy and has since been tapped by the president-elect to co-lead a newly proposed “Department of Government Efficiency” — claimed on the social media platform that he owns that noncitizens voted in Pennsylvania. There is no proof of such widespread voter fraud. Trump won the state this year. In a close Wisconsin Senate race, Republican Eric Hovde, who challenged Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, claimed without evidence that there were “voting inconsistencies” on Election Day. The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ have called the race for Baldwin. Hovde conceded on Monday. It’s unclear for now to what degree election denialism will shape future elections — or policy. Trump posted on his Truth Social account on November 8 that he planned to advocate that Americans show proof of citizenship and voter identification to cast a ballot. It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in state and federal elections. Thirty-six states require some form of identification to vote, and the remaining others use other methods to verify identification . Hannah Fried, executive director of All Voting is Local , a nonpartisan organization that works to protect voting access, said it’s too early to know how the new administration might try to implement voting policy. But she said in some way, changing the law may not be the point. “It is to create enough doubt in our elections that you can use that doubt to consolidate your own power, or create this sort of undergirding to pass laws that a state legislature, for example, can pass that can be really harmful to voters,” she said. Byrum in Michigan has been relieved by the reduction in threats and intimidation following this year’s election. But she knows that weaponized denialism can fester over time and create future problems for the election workforce. She wants to remind people that the vast majority of election officials are public servants who are trying to follow election laws and rules. They’re also just humans. “We are your neighbors. We sit beside you at church. We are behind you in the drop-off line at school,” she said. “We are dedicated to promoting safe and secure elections.”

Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the Senate

Timberwolves vs. Hawks Best bets: Odds, predictions, recent stats, and betting trends for December 23

jili777 net ph login Victoria’s Secret & Co. ( NYSE:VSCO – Get Free Report ) shot up 5.3% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $37.11 and last traded at $36.83. 407,505 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 85% from the average session volume of 2,709,675 shares. The stock had previously closed at $34.97. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently weighed in on VSCO. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Victoria’s Secret & Co. from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Victoria’s Secret & Co. from $30.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Victoria’s Secret & Co. from $17.00 to $19.00 and gave the company a “sell” rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Victoria’s Secret & Co. from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Monday, October 21st. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on Victoria’s Secret & Co. from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an “underperform” rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Victoria’s Secret & Co. currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $26.30. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on VSCO Victoria’s Secret & Co. Trading Up 6.1 % Victoria’s Secret & Co. ( NYSE:VSCO – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 28th. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $1.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.41 billion. Victoria’s Secret & Co. had a return on equity of 44.06% and a net margin of 2.25%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Victoria’s Secret & Co. will post 2.01 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Victoria’s Secret & Co. Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. FMR LLC grew its holdings in shares of Victoria’s Secret & Co. by 146.1% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,757,032 shares of the company’s stock valued at $70,856,000 after purchasing an additional 1,636,602 shares during the last quarter. Forest Avenue Capital Management LP bought a new position in Victoria’s Secret & Co. during the 3rd quarter worth $40,861,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in Victoria’s Secret & Co. by 102.0% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,708,766 shares of the company’s stock worth $47,864,000 after buying an additional 1,368,103 shares during the period. Bayberry Capital Partners LP bought a new stake in Victoria’s Secret & Co. in the first quarter valued at $11,919,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Victoria’s Secret & Co. by 1,218.1% during the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 618,195 shares of the company’s stock valued at $10,924,000 after acquiring an additional 571,295 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 90.29% of the company’s stock. About Victoria’s Secret & Co. ( Get Free Report ) Victoria's Secret & Co operates as a specialty retailer of women's intimate, and other apparel and beauty products worldwide. It offers bras, panties, lingerie, casual sleepwear, and athleisure and swim, as well as fragrances and body care; and loungewear, knit tops, activewear, and accessories and beauty under the Victoria's Secret, PINK, and Adore Me brands. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Victoria's Secret & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria's Secret & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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‘Itni jaldi to meri wife ka mood’: Irfan Pathan’s cheeky comment on changing nature of Perth pitch goes viralFitch has predicted an unfortunate outcome for the naira by 2028, according to its BMI Research report It said the persistent depreciation of the naira will drive up the cost of importing medical devices and diminish consumer purchasing power Despite government incentives, local manufacturing of medical devices in Nigeria still faces significant obstacles Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now! Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the Stock Market. Fitch Solutions, a financial intelligence provider, has forecasted that the naira may fall to around N1,993 per dollar by 2028, posing significant challenges for Nigeria’s pharm*ceutical industry in importing medical devices. In a recent report, BMI Research, a subsidiary of Fitch Solutions, noted that despite the anticipated economic recovery, Nigeria’s medical devices market would likely continue to encounter operational and demand-related difficulties in the short term. Fitch projects that Nigeria’s medical device market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% from 2023 to 2028 in local currency terms and 9.6% in US dollar terms, reaching an estimated market value of NGN171.1 billion (USD344.7 million) by 2028. Read also NNPC shares pictures of petrol from pH refinery, says it is ‘top quality’, advises Nigerians PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! The report highlights that increasing healthcare spending focused on universal health coverage, alongside Nigeria's large population and the dual burden of chronic and infectious diseases, will sustain strong demand for medical devices, particularly diagnostics, consumables, and hospital equipment, in the short to medium term. Citing Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline as examples of companies that exited Nigeria due to naira devaluation, the report noted that the ongoing currency depreciation would drive up the cost of importing medical devices and diminish consumer purchasing power. Fitch’s subsidiary also indicated that, despite government incentives, significant obstacles still prevent local manufacturing of medical devices from gaining momentum in Nigeria. The report stated: “Continued weakness of the naira will increase medical device import costs and erode consumer purchasing power. Similar to other markets in sub-Sahara Africa, Nigeria heavily relies on medical device imports, with reliance of over 95%. We expect that the naira will end 2028 at NGN1993/USD from NGN306/USD in 2018." Read also Rewane advises CBN to stabilise Naira, tame money growth The report highlighted that as the naira depreciates, the cost of importing medical devices will keep rising, which will weaken both the healthcare system and patients' ability to afford essential medical technologies, particularly given the underfunding of the public health sector. However, on the export side, a weaker naira could boost the competitiveness of locally manufactured medical devices, supporting growth in the sector. Tinubu's attempt to manage the naira Years of economic mismanagement have left Nigeria facing a severe shortage of dollars. The country’s economy has long relied on oil exports while maintaining a high demand for imported goods, creating an unstable foundation. In an effort to address this issue, President Bola Tinubu relaxed long-standing foreign exchange controls shortly after assuming office in May 2023. As a result, the naira, previously maintained at an artificially strong rate against the dollar, has depreciated by around 70%. Tinubu aimed to attract foreign investment and enhance Nigeria’s appeal as an investment hub. Read also Report gives new naira prediction for 2024 as currency becomes worse-performing In the short term, however, this shift led to a spike in inflation , reaching a 28-year high, and intensified a cost-of-living crisis that sparked deadly protests in Africa’s most populous nation. Rewane advises CBN to stabilise naira In related news, Legit.ng reported that Bismarck Rewane has proffered solutions to the current state of the Nigerian economy The renowned economist called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to focus on stabilising the naira and controlling money supply growth to mitigate inflationary pressures. He also identified forex supply shortages, high energy costs, and poor policy coordination as key factors in economic instability. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng

The previous contract expired on Aug. 19, and talks had been underway since June. The two sides reached a tentative agreement on Nov. 6 and teachers ratified the new contract on Nov. 14. At the Nov. 18 regularly scheduled school board meeting, the board approved the contract, said Superintendent Shane Gordon. "Our teachers are the heart of our educational community," Gordon said. "This agreement allows us to move forward together, focused on our primary mission of providing the best possible education for our students." The five-year contract addresses key areas, including competitive compensation, health care benefits, and working conditions that will help the district continue to attract and retain high-quality educators, he said. The board also approved salary increases for support staff. The wage increases for staff help make important positions such as bus drivers, aides, secretaries, cafeteria staff, maintenance, and custodians more competitive with other areas of employment, he said. The Meridian Federation of Teachers members were hesitant to accept a five-year contract, said President Brian Pekovitch. “We wanted to ensure that we received fair wage increases each year, that would also be in line with the area districts, when they create their next contracts 3 years from now,” he said. The Federation's contract includes an average 5 percent increase per year for the term of the contract, he said, which is commensurate with other area districts' salaries, and also accounts for inflation. Other provisions include keeping insurance premiums on par with previous contracts, and makes the retirement incentive provided by the district more accessible, and added a tiered sick leave system based upon years of experience. The new contract, which is retroactive to Aug. 20, the day after the old contract expired, covers 70 district employees, including teachers, social workers, counselors, and the student service coordinator.Umahi meets COAS, assures accelerated road infrastructure overhaul

FBI issues nationwide warning: Serious cyberattack threatens iPhone, Android usersFinding the can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.

‘An existential battle’: how Trump’s win is shifting the US media landscapeReview: The Anker Solix C300 rewrites the compact portable power station rule bookI’m A Celeb fans left sobbing as Danny Jones says Barry McGuigan has replaced his dad who no longer speaks to him

These holiday gifts change the game when building fires, printing photos, watching birds and moreNoneBritish tennis star Katie Boulter announces engagement with Australian star Alex de Minaur

HONOLULU — The state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on Monday approved the Spectrum Oceanic LLC Application for Renewal of Cable Franchise for the County of Kauai. HONOLULU — The state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on Monday approved the Spectrum Oceanic LLC Application for Renewal of Cable Franchise for the County of Kauai. According to a release from the DCCA, the approval was executed in Decision and Order No. 386 that outlines the conditions and requirements for Spectrum’s continued use of public rights of way to deliver cable services to consumers on the Garden Island. “Following a careful evaluation and thoughtful negotiations, DCCA has approved Spectrum’s renewal application that provides for enhanced services on Kauai,” said Nadine Ando, director of the DCCA. “We look forward to the expanded community benefits and access to high-definition cablecasting for public access channels.” The decision comes after a comprehensive review process that included a public hearing and a public meeting in Lihue, where community members had the opportunity to provide comments and feedback on Spectrum’s renewal application. These comments and feedback were carefully considered by the DCCA, the release states. The Decision and Order authorizes the continuation of Spectrum’s cable services and the development and improvement of Spectrum’s video and communication infrastructure throughout the county. In return, Spectrum will endeavor to utilize the latest technology to offer a comprehensive array of programming, and to offer robust customer support services to the public. Other notable provisions of the Decision and Order include: • Hoike Kauai Community Media, Kauai’s public access organization, will be provided with the option to cablecast its content in high-definition, ensuring a better viewing experience for subscribers. • Spectrum will provide a total of 2,000 public service announcements for use by the governor and lieutenant governor’s office, state legislature, county council, mayor, Department of Education, Hoike and the University of Hawaii so they may relay crucial information to the public. • Spectrum will continue to provide dedicated institutional network connections for use by the county and state entities on Kauai, to ensure reliable avenues of communication and data transfer. • Spectrum will continue its support of locally originated programming with a wide range of content, including local news, sports, cooking, pet care, healthy living and cultural education. • Spectrum will continue its ongoing commitment to extend cable service to all feasible areas of the franchise areas while keeping abreast of the latest technological advances. More information, including all relevant documents and related filings regarding Spectrum’s franchise renewal agreements, is available at http://cca.hawaii.gov/catv. Spectrum has pending application for renewal of its cable franchises for the County of Maui. A public meeting is scheduled in December to provide the public an opportunity to submit comments on that application.Colorado's free school lunch program may see cuts

Hours before dawn, while most Canberrans are fast asleep, the Fyshwick Logement Centre is bustling. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue The biggest sales period of the year has Australia Post staff processing thousands of parcels in Canberra to keep up with the high demand. Executive general manager Gary Starr says the sorting facility in Fyshwick can process up to 30,000 parcels per day and up to 36,000 during peak periods. To meet the demands, Australia Post has recruited seasonal casuals, extended shifts and brought back weekend operations. Delivery facility manager Dale Hyde says overtime hours are available pre-shift and post-shift, with shifts running from 11pm to 8am and some starting from 2am, 3am and 4am. Organised chaos at the Fyshwick lodgement centre. Picture by Karleen Minney Unlike larger automated hubs, the Fyshwick facility operates entirely on manual labour, which means parcels arriving from Melbourne and Sydney are sorted by hand into postcodes before being loaded into vans for nationwide delivery. As vans travel from across the country, the team handles the sheer volume in "a ballroom of activity", says Hyde. Delivery drivers have plenty of overtime shifts in the lead-up to Christmas. Picture by Karleen Minney He says during this period, drivers are delivering 100 to 200 more parcels than usual. The increased volume is sent from a wide range of businesses across Canberra, both large and small. "We work with every type of business, from those operating large-scale bricks and mortar ... to small businesses operating out of their garage or running a side hustle," says Starr. It's a busy time for Australian retailers, and while small businesses may not be able to compete with big companies, they're making efforts to participate in the cyber sales. "Many small businesses are keen to look at anything they can do to get customers through the door... Black Friday is a really good opportunity to help them do that," says Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Greg Harford. The Fyshwick faclity can process up to 30,000 parcels per day. Picture by Karleen Minney He says consumers expect the biggest sales to be available towards the end of November in the lead-up to Christmas, and many take advantage of lower prices . "Consumers are keen to get out and spend money, in particular during a cost of living crisis," he says. As our inboxes overflow with discounts of up to 80 percent, local businesses are feeling the pressure to keep up. Ryan Mongich, who owns local garden-ware business Eché Pots, says the Black Friday Sales have not met his expectations. "It's difficult for my business to take a large loss on sales to get customers in," he says. Ryan Mongich, who owns local garden-ware business Eché Pots. Picture by Karleen Minney Smaller businesses typically lack the profit margin to fund large discounts and struggle to compete during this period. "A bigger company has the funds to be able to mark down products in order to draw people in, but most small businesses are operating with a much smaller cash flow," he says. He emphasises the importance of prioritising a loyal customer base rather than immediate sales. "I think it's important to have customers want your product at a regular retail price, rather than just come in if there's a sale," he says. It's a good reminder in the midst of the cyber sales to consider local businesses. "The chamber certainly sends the message to customers to get out and support local businesses wherever you can, and use the opportunity surrounding Black Friday to help you stock up and get ready for the festive season," Harford says. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy More from Canberra Chinese tech firms lobby influence raises alert in Canberra 11m ago No comment s 'Mighty Murrumbidgee' gets some long-awaited care as river restoration begins 11m ago No comment s Albanese facing a new mood of pick and kick 11m ago No comment s 'A ballroom of activity': How Black Friday is hitting those closer to home 11m ago No comment s PM's XI shifts to 50-over format as day one abandoned; What Kohli said to Albo No comment s 'I thought the opportunity had passed': Boland closes in on Test comeback No comment s Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading... 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President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. RELATED STORY | Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are discussing tariffs. What should consumers expect? Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.None

The Carolina Giants starter is coming off 18 homers and 64 runs in his first season with the Double-A Texas affiliate November 24, 2024 - 6:00 PM Abimelec Ortiz made a work plan as soon as he learned that he would begin the 2024 season in the Double-A affiliate with the Frisco RoughRiders of the Texas Rangers organization. Javier Báez expects to be present at spring training with the Tigers after hip surgery: “I hope to come back stronger” One on one with Carlos González: his beginnings in basketball, love for Aguadilla and his goals as head of the National Team

The Maple Leafs' goaltending depth is the strongest it has been in years, but it took a significant hit due to injury to Matt Murray on Saturday. After recovering from bi-lateral hip surgery , Matt Murray shocked many when he and the Maple Leafs agreed to terms on a 1-year, $875K deal on July 1st. Murray, who hasn't played an NHL regular season game since 2023, is looking to rejuvenate his career and prove he can still be an NHL goaltender. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native had been off to an excellent start this season with the Marlies, but was unfortunately injured late in the first period of the Marlies' game on Saturday, favouring his left leg after making a save off of a routine point shot. Prior to leaving Saturday's game, Murray had posted a 2-1-2 record with a .912 save percentage and a 2.42 GAA. Although unfortunate for Murray, his injury will allow Dennis Hildeby to resume a heavy workload and give more opportunity to prospect Artur Akhtyamov, who has looked outstanding in 8 games, going 7-0-1 with two shutouts while posting a ridiculous 1.70 GAA and .933 save percentage. The Marlies sit fourth in the North Division with a record of 11-3-5, five points back of the Laval Rocket. To be just five points back of the division while playing without a number of their key contributors up front due to all the injuries the Leafs have faced is impressive. The Marlies should be getting some of them back this week as the Leafs begin to get healthier. This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission.Jason Kelce Found It 'Annoying' Competing Against His Brother Travis Kelcewow jili777 。

Taurean Consiglio, defense power Bishop Guilfoyle to PIAA 1A title over Port Allegany

The year 2024 has seen some significant shifts in the rental housing market across various cities around the globe. While some regions experienced a surge in rental prices, others witnessed a surprising decline in rent rates. In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the top cities where rental prices have dropped, providing insights into the factors contributing to this trend.

Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024Jimmy Carter, Whose Presidency Was Marred By Iran Hostage Crisis, Dies At 100

Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024So as the clock ticks down and the moment of truth draws near, all eyes will be on Real Madrid as they take to the field once more, ready to do battle with their rivals and prove that they have what it takes to be champions. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the challenge is daunting. But one thing is for certain: Real Madrid is not backing down, they are rising to the occasion, and they are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice to save their season and secure their place in the annals of footballing history.

Trump's first actions and job data to test US market in JanuarySouth Korea pushes for better work-life balance to ease falling birth rateBut that's not all – the 2.2 update will also introduce a variety of new weapons, cyberware, and customization options, allowing players to further tailor their gameplay experience to their preferences. Whether you prefer stealthy infiltration, all-out combat, or hacking your way through obstacles, the new content in the update will provide you with the tools you need to succeed.55 jili 。

One of the key themes of "Bright Moon at the Window" is the celebration of the absurdity of life and the joy that can be found in embracing the unexpected. Through its offbeat humor and whimsical storytelling, the film encourages viewers to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the chaos and unpredictability of the world around them.Despite the disappointment of the hiatus, there is a silver lining for fans of "Suicide Squad." The announcement also revealed that the upcoming Season Four will be the final update for the game, promising to bring closure to the epic storyline that players have been following since the beginning. Season Four is set to be a culmination of all the hard work and dedication that players have put into the game, providing a satisfying conclusion to the "Suicide Squad" saga.

Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.As the residents of Nevada continue to recover from the recent earthquake, the community comes together to support one another and rebuild stronger than before. The resilience and spirit of unity demonstrated in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength and determination of the people of Nevada. Together, we can overcome challenges and emerge stronger, more prepared, and more united in the face of future uncertainties.

The Apprentice star also argued that a lack of clarity from the Government on the ownership test is causing “significant uncertainty” for potential investors. This came as the House of Lords continued its scrutiny of the Football Governance Bill, which seeks to establish an independent regulator for the top five tiers of the men’s game. In the upper chamber, Baroness Brady said: “We are creating legislation which will profoundly affect 160 quite unique institutions, from Premier League clubs through to the National League community clubs, but it is important for everyone to understand that the consultation with these affected businesses by the current Government has been remarkably limited, almost unbelievably so. “Just seven Premier League clubs, I was one of them, was granted a brief half-hour meeting with the Secretary of State over the summer. “And following this cursory engagement, significant decisions were made that could fundamentally affect the future of English football, most notably with the inclusion of parachute payments within the backstop mechanism. “This is particularly concerning given that fundamental issues still remained unresolved, we still lack any clarity on Uefa’s position on state interference, for example, this clearly creates profound uncertainty for clubs competing in or aspiring to European competition, as well as our national teams.” “We don’t know what the ownership test will look like, this causes significant uncertainty for potential investors as to whether they are able to own a club,” she added. Lady Brady continued: “I have spoken to many of my colleagues across all of the football pyramid, we are all alarmed about and puzzled by the lack of discussion on the Bill with ministers. “Would the minister agree that we all want to get the detail of this Bill right? And can she see any downsides to providing meaningful opportunities to hear from all clubs across the football pyramid affected by the legislation?” Prior to this, Tory shadow sports minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay had tabled an amendment which he said would allow clubs to “make their views known on this legislation” by including specific competitions on the face of the Bill. Labour frontbencher Baroness Twycross told the upper chamber: “I don’t think the leagues are confused either on which leagues this legislation will apply to.” She added: “This power is both reasonable and the result of evidence-based consultation with all key stakeholders in the industry. “This power ensures that the competitions in scope can be amended in a timely manner and ensures the scope of the regime remains relevant.” The peer later said: “Over the past three years there have been countless opportunities for all affected and interested parties to make representations.” Lady Brady also raised concerns about the financial distribution backstop, which she said is “clearly designed as a mechanism to gain direct access to, and apportionate Premier League revenue, and no-one else’s”. “I might add the backstop will allow the IFR (Independent Football Regulator) to do this even if it was against the Premier League clubs’ will, or even without the clubs’ agreement, even if it was to have a detrimental effect on the clubs and the overall competition it removes revenue from,” she added. The backstop would allow the new IFR to intervene in the distribution of Premier League broadcast revenue down the leagues as a last resort. It could be triggered by the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) or National League to mediate the fair financial distribution of this revenue if they are not able to come to an agreement. Conservative peers later raised concerns over the cost implications to clubs of establishing the regulator, although they faced claims of “filibustering” – wasting time by making overlong speeches in a bid to delay progress. Watching opposition benches blatantly filibustering to destroy the Football Governance Bill is nothing short of sporting vandalism.Football is broken. Clubs are struggling. Now those seats have been lost, do they no longer care about likes of Reading or Southend? @FairGameUK — Niall Couper (@NiallCouper) December 4, 2024 Labour peer Lord Watson of Invergowrie questioned why Lord Parkinson was showing “confected outrage” at the Bill when the former culture minister would have been defending a similar proposal had the Tories remained in power. Lord Parkinson, in his reply, said: “We want to see this regulator established, we want to see it doing its work and doing so effectively, but we also see before us a Bill that is different because of the election that was called and the result that happened, and we’re interrogating particularly closely the changes that the Government have made to the Bill – of which there are many. “And we have more concerns on these benches than we did before the election from my colleagues behind me about the way we do it.” The Tory peer pointed to Labour frontbenchers fulfilling their duties to “properly scrutinise” then-government legislation when they were on the opposition benches. Lady Twycross, in an intervention, said: “While I agree that (Lord Parkinson) is correct that I would scrutinise legislation when I was sitting on those (opposition) benches, I have never sought to filibuster a Bill to which my party had committed, which my party had laid before Parliament, and intended to filibuster it to the point of getting us stuck in treacle.” Lord Parkinson replied: “That is not what we’re doing.” Niall Couper, chief executive of the campaign group Fair Game, wrote on social media site X: “Watching opposition benches blatantly filibustering to destroy the Football Governance Bill is nothing short of sporting vandalism.”In conclusion, the marksman’s quest to sign the Brazilian international exemplifies his strategic vision and determination to elevate his team to new heights. By targeting a player of such calibre and talent, the marksman aims to add a new dimension to his team’s play and enhance their firepower in the midfield. If successful, this acquisition could be a game-changer for the marksman’s squad, transforming them into a formidable force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of football.In addition to the strong economic data, corporate earnings have also played a significant role in driving the China Golden Dragon Index higher. Many Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges have reported better-than-expected earnings in recent quarters, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of China's corporate sector in the face of challenging global economic conditions. This has further bolstered investor confidence in the outlook for Chinese companies and their ability to generate sustainable growth.

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In today's highly competitive football landscape, clubs cannot afford to carry passengers, no matter how talented they may be perceived to be. Football is a results-driven industry, and the failure to deliver on the pitch inevitably leads to consequences. Manchester United, a club with a proud history and tradition of success, is no exception to this rule.The primary focus of this adjustment appears to be on stimulating economic growth and incentivizing borrowing and spending. With the aim of providing relief to borrowers, especially homeowners, the central bank has hinted at the possibility of mortgage rates falling below the 3% threshold next year. This forecast has caught many by surprise, as such a low mortgage rate has not been seen in recent years.On the other hand, the decrease in housing prices reflects the government's continued emphasis on promoting affordable housing and preventing excessive speculation in the real estate market. Authorities have implemented various measures, such as tightening lending requirements and cracking down on illegal property transactions, to ensure stability in the housing sector.

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Christmas (and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa for that matter) are quickly approaching. For those who haven’t started putting up holiday decorations at home, now’s the perfect time to start. With early Black Friday deals in full swing, you’ll likely score a deal on any new pieces for yourself and snag a gift for the holiday host or hostess on sale. Depending on what style or type of decorations you’re in the market for, you’ll have better luck when shopping at certain retailers over others. That’s why we created a handy guide with ten of our favourites, whether you’re on the hunt for a new artificial Christmas tree, home decor or holiday entertaining essentials. Sure, Canadian Tire might be best known for its assortment of sports and recreation gear – and of course, tires. However, come the holiday season, the retailer takes pride in becoming “Canada’s Christmas Store.” You’ll find everything you need to deck the halls indoors and outdoors, with a huge selection of artificial Christmas trees , outdoor lights and inflatables and decor for a festive atmosphere. Pieces we love: Airblown Santa Stitch, 3.2-ft , $50; Canvas Pre-Lit Indoor Noelle Fraser , $400; Canvas LED Pre-Lit Artificial Cedar Wreath , $60. For string lights, outdoor decorations and artificial Christmas trees, look to Home Hardware. You’ll find items organized by aesthetic like cozy classic, modern farmhouse and vintage-inspired. Those who string up their old incandescent lights will also be happy to know that you can still find replacement bulbs here too. Pieces we love: Instyle Holiday C9 Light Set , $100; Instyle Holiday Porch Tree & Wreath Set , $200; Danson Decor 6.5′ Noble Pine Tree , $100. When decorating on a budget, Amazon has all the affordable holiday finds you could hope for. There are tons of options for artificial trees under $100, plus expensive-looking garlands and outdoor lighting set-ups that look way more luxe than their price tags suggest. Pieces we love: HOMCOM 6′ Pencil Christmas Tree , $65; 9ft. Norfolk Pine Garland , $23; Minetom Outdoor Projector Lights , $50. If you love the look of elegant holiday decor, add West Elm to your shopping list. You’ll find everything from Scandinavian-inspired designs to vintage-looking trinkets that suit just about any personality. There are also plenty of quirky ornament options, including a lobster tail , an evil eye and après-ski animals. Pieces we love: Village Tealight Candleholders , $29+; Stacked Wood Trees , $38+; Flocked Ball Ornaments (Set of 25) , $40. Walmart is another great option for holiday decor on a budget. Many finds ring in under $20, including plenty of tabletop decor, stockings and ornaments. For collectors, there’s also a big selection of Christmas-themed plushies to add to your home or give as a gift. Pieces we love: Holiday Time Red Wood Nutcracker, $10; Holiday Time Plaid Stocking , $16; Step2 My First Advent Calendar , $80. For those looking for a full holiday home makeover, Michael’s has you covered. Shop for coordinating ornaments, tree skirts, table runners, wreaths and garlands to create the perfect Christmas wonderland. Plus, stock up on craft supplies for personalized decor. Pieces we love: 6ft. Pink Gala Ball Garland , $40; Peppermint Candy Throw Pillow , $37; 12′′ Gingerbread Houses Tabletop Décor , $50. If you’re searching for West Elm-worthy decor with more accessible pricing, look no further. This season, Canadian home decor brand Bouclair offers the sweetest, fluffiest animal ornaments and table toppers, plus glittery mini-trees and ceramic houses that scream holiday cheer. Pieces we love: Decorative Ceramic House , $10; Polar Bear Ornament , $10; Golden Wire Glittery Tree , $18; Decorative Sheep , $13. When it comes to themed entertaining essentials, Anthropologie is your one-stop shop. You’ll find holiday-ready barware, dishware, linens, candles and more with a whimsical, bohemian feel. These unique finds also make for great gifts for a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange . Pieces we love: Holiday in the City Stoneware Mug , $16; Holiday Tree Borosilicate Glass Candle Holder , $38; Beaded Holiday Placemat , $48. What’s more cozy throughout the holiday season than a festive mug filled with eggnog or hot chocolate? Indigo has tons of original designs to choose from, as well as unique serving platters and cozy throw blankets to brighten up your space. Pieces we love: Holiday Icon Glass Set, Set of 4, $50; Glitzmas Everyday Bowls, Set of 4 , $25; Gingerbread Wood Serving Board , $30. Create luxe tablescapes this holiday season with a little help from Pottery Barn. You’ll find festive collectibles that are sure to become family classics, as well as stunning accessories to decorate your home from top to bottom come your next holiday get-together. Pieces we love: Gingerbread Tree Holiday Cookie Jar , $112; Santa’s Sled Salt & Pepper Shakers , $56; Stewart Plaid Dinnerware 16-Piece Set , $372. Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter . kmendonca@postmedia.com instagram.com/kate.mendonca Love a deal? Us too. Explore Postmedia’s latest coupon codes from top brands we know and love.p777 slot 。

The Canada Games Centre has closed both of its rinks due to an issue with one of the facility’s ice plant compressors. “The decision has been made to cancel all ice bookings as well as any drop-in ice activities with the exception of the Arctic Edge Skating Club’s Gold Nugget Competition,” read a Dec. 6 press release. “Impacted user groups have been notified directly by Facility Bookings staff.” Darrell Peters is the operations supervisor at the Canada Games Centre. He told the News that one of the rink’s three compressors went out of commission on Wednesday, Dec. 4. “An instrument panel that’s on the compressor is not working, it’s dead. So that compressor is no longer working,” he said. The warm conditions that Whitehorse has been experiencing have complicated the matter further: Peters said operations cannot keep up with the flooding of the ice. He said the operations have not been flooding after every period of hockey since Dec. 4 because the ice wasn’t setting quickly enough. “So what’s happening is our ice is getting slimmer and slimmer,” he said. The ice is usually maintained at an inch-and-three-quarters to two inches, but the ice level is now down to an inch-and-a-quarter. “It’ll keep getting lower, and then we’ll lose our lines on the ice, and then it’s a problem,” said Peters. Arctic Edge will be able to use the ice due to the nature of their sport compared with hockey, as well as the fact the rink only needs to be flooded every few hours with figure-skating as opposed to after every period with hockey, Peters said. It is also due to the fact that Arctic Edge is running their test program. “That’s why we’re shutting everything down, so that they have good quality ice still, on the ATCO ice, for them to do the testing program.” Peters said that their technicians will be arriving from Edmonton on Monday, Dec. 9 with the replacement parts. “I expect them to be working on it Tuesday morning and hopefully be running by lunchtime on Tuesday, if everything works out,” Peters said.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The very close election for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat heads next to a hand recount even as election officials announced a machine recount of over 5.5 million ballots resulted in no margin change between the candidates. The statewide machine recount — in which ballots were run again through tabulators — that wrapped up this week showed Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs with a 734-vote lead over Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin, who is a Court of Appeals judge. Most county election boards reported minor vote changes from the machine recount requested by Griffin. But State Board of Elections data showed the post-recount lead exactly the same as what Riggs held after all 100 counties fully completed their ballot canvass in November. Griffin led Riggs by about 10,000 votes on election night, but that lead dwindled and flipped to Riggs as tens of thousands of qualifying provisional and absentee ballots were added to the totals through the canvass. Griffin, who already has pending election protests challenging the validity of more than 60,000 ballots counted statewide, has asked for a partial hand-to-eye recount, which county boards will start Wednesday or Thursday. The partial hand recount applies to ballots in 3% of the voting sites in all 100 counties, chosen at random Tuesday by the state board. Once the partial recount is complete, a statewide hand recount would be ordered if the sample results differ enough from the machine recount that the result would be reversed if the difference were extrapolated to all ballots. Riggs, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2023 and now seeks an eight-year term, again claimed victory Tuesday. In a campaign news release, spokesperson Embry Owen said Griffin “needs to immediately concede – losing candidates must respect the will of voters and not needlessly waste state resources.” Riggs is one of two Democrats on the seven-member court. Through attorneys, Griffin has challenged ballots that he says may not qualify for several reasons and cast doubt on the election result. Among them: voter registration records of some voters casting ballots lack driver's license or partial Social Security numbers, and overseas voters never living in North Carolina may run afoul of state residency requirements. State and county boards are considering the protests. Griffin's attorneys on Monday asked the state board to accelerate the matters before it and make a final ruling early next week. "Our priority remains ensuring that every legal vote is counted and that the public can trust the integrity of this election,” state Republican Party spokesperson Matt Mercer said in a news release. Final rulings by the state board can be appealed to state court. Joining Griffin in protests are three Republican legislative candidates who still trailed narrowly in their respective races after the machine recounts. The Supreme Court race and two of these three legislative races have not been called by The Associated Press. The key pending legislative race is for a House seat covering Granville County and parts of Vance County. Republican Rep. Frank Sossamon trails Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn by 228 votes, down from 233 votes before the recount. Sossamon also asked for a partial hard recount in his race, which was to begin Tuesday. Should Cohn win, Republicans will fall one seat short of the 72 needed in the 120-member House to retain its veto-proof majority — giving more leverage to Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein in 2025. Senate Republicans already have won 30 of the 50 seats needed to retain its supermajority in their chamber. The AP on Tuesday did call another legislative race not subject to a protest, as Mecklenburg County GOP Rep. Tricia Cotham won her reelection bid over Democrat Nicole Sidman. A machine recount showed Cotham ahead of Sidman by 213 votes, compared to 216 after the county canvass. Cotham’s switch from the Democrats to the Republicans in April 2023 secured the Republicans' 72-seat veto-proof majority so that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes could be overridden by relying solely on GOP lawmakers. Gary D. Robertson, The Associated PressBy KAITLYN HUAMANI The commencement of the holiday season often means the lengthening of to-do lists. There are lights to hang, cards to mail , cookies to bake and, of course, gifts to buy . Gift exchanges, whether they’re among friends, family or co-workers, can be a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. But can also be another stressor during a busy time of year. Secret Santa exchanges — where participants are assigned a gift recipient and tasked with finding them a perfect present within a price limit — sometimes mean that those in friend groups are paired with “frenemies,” someone inevitably draws themselves, or colleagues who are virtually strangers are matched up. Those possible pitfalls inspired Peter Imburg to create Elfster , a free online Secret Santa organizer, after he saw the time and effort it took to coordinate the logistics of a gift exchange with his family over 20 years ago. More top-down organization, he says, helps things run more smoothly. Elfster, for instance, creates pairings, asks for wish lists, offers gift suggestions at different price points and sends reminders, among other features meant to make the organizational hurdles of a gift exchange less daunting. “The organizer is like the hero. They make it all happen,” Imburg said, adding that his site aims “to make it a lot easier for the organizer to do that with a minimal amount of effort.” Cameron Rogers, a New Jersey-based social media content creator and podcast host on wellness and motherhood, understands the stress that gift exchanges can bring up. “Having to give generic gifts to people I’m not necessarily close with is extremely difficult,” Rogers said. “I can pick a good gift for my husband or my kids or my mom, but for people who I don’t know the ins and outs of their lives, I think it’s hard to pick something that you know they’re actually going to enjoy.” Related Articles Health | Does the approach to treating opioid addiction need a radical overhaul? Health | Rural areas experience the brunt of healthcare system deficiencies. Are there solutions? Health | Nursing homes fell behind on vaccinating patients for COVID Health | A twice-yearly shot could help end AIDS. But will it get to everyone who needs it? Health | States poised to end coverage for millions if Trump cuts Medicaid funding She recently shared a guide to Secret Santa gifts under $50 on her social media channels, emphasizing how challenging it can be to find something within a set price range that will be well-received. Gifts with a specific purpose — kitchen gadgets, home items or winter gear — and gifts that have a personalized aspect like a monogram are good go-to options for anyone feeling lost after receiving their Secret Santa assignment, she said. Imburg said the “gift gurus” at Elfster also have suggestions, especially for recipients who aren’t offering any clues as to what they’d like. In a similar vein as Rogers, the Elfster team offered ideas for some practical gifts, like water bottles, blankets and massage guns. Other no-nonsense home and kitchen items, like food storage containers, charging stations and more are featured on the site’s “Top Trending Gift Ideas for 2024” list. Gift cards, although they are not particularly glamorous, are an essentially foolproof option, Rogers said, and they won’t leave your recipient wondering where they’ll find room on their shelf for another mug or book. “I don’t want to give someone something solely to check a box,” Rogers said. “I want them to enjoy it, instead of being like, ‘What do I do with this now?’” Some gift-givers find that Secret Santa (and its many counterparts like White Elephant and Yankee Swap) actually cuts down on stress and spending, as it’s often done in place of giving individual presents to each member of a group. Nicole Troiano of Cranston, Rhode Island, finds them to be a fun way to handle holidays with large groups — even if co-workers may need to ask around to get specifics on their assigned person. “It’s fun to do it that way and think about something that would be good for that person,” she said. “And then, when they open it, they’re like, ‘Oh my God!’” By the weekend after Thanksgiving, Troiano had already purchased and wrapped her gift for the exchange she’s taking part in this year. After her swap, a lucky participant will be the new owner of a cutting board, two bottles of wine wearing bottle-size ugly sweaters, and gourmet chocolates.55 jili slot 。

Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasonsA convincing Boxing Day victory over Leicester City to strengthen what was already a healthy Premier League advantage at the top? Liverpool are chasing this title down like it's 2019 all over again. And on a day when every other result that was worth checking for went his way, Arne Slot could not have asked for a more perfect Christmas gift for his first one on Merseyside. Now seven points clear of second-place Chelsea with that game in hand at Everton to come next year, Enzo Maresca's consistent claims that his team aren't in a race for the championship might just have more than a kernel of truth to it yet. Of course, there is plenty of football yet to come before those hopes become anything more firm but the Reds are in the rudest of health as they now prepare for the final game of an eventful - and at times tearful - 2024, away at West Ham United on Sunday evening. At the halfway stage, there will be few making any bombastic claims for any other club's credentials to last the pace in the coming days. That at least is clear, for now. Liverpool player ratings as Cody Gakpo brilliant and two others superb vs Leicester City Jurgen Klopp might not have liked Anfield chant but Arne Slot has given Liverpool reason to believe For all the neat symmetry of 2019, however, this game bore all the hallmarks of a clash from last time year when the Reds would concede first before being made to find a way back into the contest. It was an occurrence that happened all too often last season and eventually sapped at the energy levels when it really mattered on the home stretch. Liverpool haven't needed to do anything like that too often this time around but the muscle memory at least remains in place. They were deserved victors here and their sluggish start was not punished too heavily. A slack piece of defending after six minutes allowed Jordan Ayew to swivel on Stephy Mavididi's cross before dispatching low past Alisson Becker and it was another concession where Andy Robertson might have felt he could have done better, having allowed the Leicester forward to get the strike off too easily. Scotland captain Robertson was excellent in Sunday's 6-3 win over Tottenham but the legendary left-back is enduring something of a rough patch of form in more general terms just now and it was perhaps a surprise Kostas Tsimikas wasn't preferred after so much energy was exerted at Spurs. Liverpool responded as expected but they were unable to supply the touch of finesse that was needed. Robertson's header hit the post and Mohamed Salah struck the bar before Cody Gakpo pulled something right out of the top drawer to even things up on the cusp of half time. It was the Dutchman's eighth goal in 12 games and up there with his opener against Manchester City and the game-clincher versus Real Madrid in its importance. The Foxes defence knew what Gakpo was going to do but they were helpless to stop it as he drifted in field before curling it past stand-in goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. Only Salah and Luis Diaz have more than the former PSV Eindhoven man now and his Reds career has been given a new lease of life by Slot and his refusal to deviate from selecting the attacker in the left-wing position where he made his name in the Eredivisie. Two years into his Liverpool career now and Gakpo has never been as Influential to the cause. Liverpool had the lead their first-half response deserved when Curtis Jones, restored in place of Dominik Szoboszlai, converted from Alexis Mac Allister's cut-back four minutes after the break. The city-centre born Jones is having a fine season and looks much more at home as the most advanced of the midfield three. Sharing No.10 duties with Szoboszlai means Jones is making decisive contributions at important intervals. Like his winner at Chelsea in October, this was another vital intervention where he was able to make the most of being asked to get into the penalty area more often. He is primed to start at West Ham after substitute Szoboszlai picked up his fifth caution of the season in the second half. Gakpo's finish was ruled out after a remarkably long VAR check with Darwin Nunez eventually judged offside after Salah had just about kept himself on. It was harsh on Gakpo, who smashed home like a man in form. It barely mattered, Leicester never looked like performing a second smash-and-grab in their hosts' penalty area and Alisson was a virtual spectator. At least he might have been if he could see the action down the other end through the thickening Merseyside fog that had swept in around Anfield. The Foxes' goal was their only shot on target. It was left, as it so often is, for Salah to wrap things up and seal the points. Victor Kristiansen looked caught in the headlights as the Reds superstar sized him up before nonchalantly dispatching past Stolarczyk into the bottom corner for his 19th of the season. A 20-goal haul before New Year's Day remains firmly in the play for the club's fourth highest scorer of all time and you can be certain he is targeting Gordon Hodgson's total of 241 before the season is out. He is now just 12 away from moving past Hodgson into third. Sign him up Fenway Sports Group, and see how close he can get to Ian Rush on 346. If that is too lofty an ambition for someone who is 32 in June, Roger Hunt's return of 285 is attainable - should he stay beyond this season. At the full time whistle, the decision by long-time stadium announcer George Sephton to treat supporters filing out of Anfield to James' Sit Down over the PA system inevitably led to the fans commandeering the ditty themselves to serenade Salah instead. Their feelings have long been made clear on this particular contract issue. He draws back his bow, now give Mo his dough, and all that. Despite some early scaremongering about potential postponements owing to the fog that was engulfing the surrounding areas on Boxing Day, even the elements couldn't stop Liverpool on what was, all things considered, as close to a perfect December 26 as possible. It's beginning to look a lot like 2019.

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Law Office of Patrick R. McKamey Announces New Partner, Former Prosecutor Craig WilliamsThe Christmas spirit was alive this week as Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy donated thousands to help out a Maryland pizza shop. TinyBrickOven , located at 1036 Light St., Baltimore, was the lucky recipient of Portnoy’s impromptu $60k donation. Portnoy posted an Instagram video revealing that the shop’s owner, William Fagg, a Navy veteran, had been struggling to keep the shop open and expressed difficulty getting its liquor license. “We can’t get our liquor license here,” Fagg told Portnoy in a video uploaded on Monday. “Our politicians gave this market down here their liquor license, but they won’t give us ours. It’s really disappointing.” After hearing this, Portnoy turned to the camera and said, “We’re gonna have to keep this place open.” Its last day of business was set for Dec. 25. Portnoy stood outside and tried the New York-style pizza before approaching the shop again to speak with Fagg, who revealed that $60k might allow them to remain open longer and get that much-needed license. A patron in the shop could be seen cheering in the background as Portnoy and Fagg exchanged contact information so the money could be sent over. Portnoy rated TinyBrickOven 7.9 out of 10 and told Fagg he would have the money before the Christmas deadline. The Bartstool founder regularly posts videos on his social media, trying pizza places across the country and rating them. “People say it’s a Christmas miracle,” Fagg told CBS News . “It kind of feels like a Christmas miracle!” We’ve never had a crowd like this,” he said. “It’s an incredible feeling, I mean, I’ve always had a lot of community support — it’s overwhelming, and I thank everybody so much.” Stories by Kaylyn Greene Renowned Pa. comedian and Broadway star dead at 93 Former Disney actress, acclaimed singer shares plans for starting over in 2025 Legendary R&B group’s lead vocalist loses youngest daughter

Donald Trump says he urged Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visitThe Indianapolis Colts could show up to the stadium on Sunday with nothing to play for. Or the scenario may call for a victory so they can remain alive in the AFC playoffs. Either way, the Colts' postseason fate hangs on other teams as they enter Sunday's game against the lowly New York Giants at East Rutherford, N.J. Indianapolis (7-8) is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt but trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by two games with two contests left. The Chargers and Broncos both have games on Saturday. If both nine-win clubs win, the Colts will be eliminated and miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is well aware of the team's predicament and scenarios entering the game against the Giants (2-13), who have lost a franchise-record 10 straight games. "We still have an opportunity, with some help from other people," Richardson said. "But we just taking it one game at a time because it doesn't do us any good if everybody else does what they have to do to help us out and then we don't go out there and take advantage of it." Richardson (back/foot) sat out practice Thursday and the Colts remain confident his ailments will improve. If not, veteran Joe Flacco could be in line to start against New York. Flacco was just 1-3 as a starter when Richardson was sidelined or benched earlier this season. But Flacco (nine touchdowns, five interceptions) has a superior touchdown-to-interception ratio than Richardson (eight TDs, 12 interceptions) and has completed 66.5 percent of his passes compared to Richardson's 47.7 percent. No matter who starts, the game plan will revolve around star running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards and three scores on 29 carries during last weekend's 38-30 home win over the Tennessee Titans. It was Taylor's second-most rushing yards in a game behind the club-record 253 he put up against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2020 season. The Giants are starting Drew Lock at quarterback for the fourth time in the past five games. Lock underwent an MRI exam on his passing shoulder Monday but no damage was found. He hurt it during Sunday's 34-7 road loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has completed just 52.7 percent of his passes. He has one touchdown and four interceptions in 129 attempts. "As a quarterback, the ball is in your hands every play and one or two bad plays can change a game," Lock said of his miscues. "You try to look at them individually, try to learn from each play individually and go onto the next week. Learn from what you did and just have a heavy emphasis on taking care of the ball." Giants coach Brian Daboll opted for Lock over Tommy DeVito, who is 0-2 as a starter this season. Daboll said he made the decision to continue the continuity from last week. Meanwhile, star rookie wideout Malik Nabers (toe) missed practice Thursday and called himself a game-day decision. Nabers has 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches as one of the bright spots of the horrendous season. "It's tough on everybody. It's not just tough on me. It's tough on everybody," Nabers said of the team's troubles. "I'm continuing to keep my mental (attitude) strong, continue to move forward, continue to try to better the team, better myself. Lead by example. I feel like that's really all we can do in this state of mind that we're going through." In addition to Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerbacks Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) and Dee Williams (toe) and safety Raheem Layne (knee) sat out practice Thursday. Richardson was one of three Colts to miss practice. The others were tight end Mo Alie-Cox (toe) and linebacker E.J. Speed (knee). In the most recent meeting, the Giants routed the Colts 38-10 late in the 2022 season. --Field Level MediaTech Tumble! Dow Dips Dramatically.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was minding his own business during practice recently, doing his due diligence while running his route when the ball suddenly came his way. Washington wasn't sure what option he was on the play. he certainly wasn't first. Probably not even second. Maybe not even third. Washington was on the back side all by his lonesome while a sea of wide receivers and running backs zig-zagged across quarterback Russell Wilson's field of vision. Only, Wilson didn't like what he saw. Not enough to throw it anyway. So he pivoted to his left and found Washington wide open for a big gain. Asked if he was surprised to find the ball in his hands, Washington nodded. “A little bit,” he said. “I don't know. I don't know what was going on with the other people.” Wilson did. He almost always seems to these days for the first-place Steelers (9-3), who find themselves atop the AFC North behind the play of their resurgent 36-year-old quarterback, who has taken a decidedly democratic approach to resurrecting his career. The nine-time Pro Bowler threw the ball to 10 different players while piling up 414 yards last week against the Bengals . Sure, mercurial star George Pickens got the ball. But so did Washington. And third tight end MyCole Pruitt. And wide receiver Ben Skowronek, who turned his second catch of the season into a 23-yard gain on a drive that ended with one of Wilson's three touchdown passes. “You never know when it’s coming your way,” Skowronek said. Not with Wilson at the controls. Fourteen different players have at least one catch this season for the Steelers. That includes Mike Williams, whose lone grab a month since being acquired from the New York Jets is a 32-yard rainbow for the winning score in the final minutes against Washington. It also includes Skowronek, who spent the early portion of the season on injured reserve and worried he'd sort of lost his place in line while he rehabbed. Skowronek and his teammates have quickly learned that with Wilson, there is no “line." During his six starts since returning from a calf injury, Wilson has thrown it wherever, whenever. “It’s like in baseball,” said Wilson, a former minor league second baseman. “You’ll never hit a home run if you don’t swing. And I really believe that you’ve got to swing, you’ve got to trust guys. You’ve got to be able to trust yourself.” Something that hasn't been an issue for Wilson for years, even if he arrived in Pittsburgh at a crossroads following an abrupt fall from grace in Denver. The Steelers couldn't sign Wilson to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum fast enough, and Wilson wasted little time building a rapport with players who were relative strangers. What began with throwing sessions in San Diego has morphed into team dinners and Friday nights where Wilson and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will hole themselves up in the team facility poring over tapes and bouncing ideas off each other until their wives call wondering where they are. On game days, that work manifests itself in various ways. It's tight end Pat Freiermuth drifting toward an open area while Wilson scrambles, as he did two plays after Skowronek's grab for a 25-yard touchdown. It's Wilson calling an audible at the line of scrimmage late against Cincinnati to hit Van Jefferson for a 43-yard gain that led to a clinching field goal. It's not just good for the stat sheet, it's good for the vibes. “Morale is a big part,” Smith said. Guys who want to be invested. Spreading it around is beneficial in a myriad of ways. It means players don't feel they are “decoys on every play,” as Smith put it. It also means once you put it on film, it means opponents have to find a way to defend it. And the more things an opponent has to defend, the better for an offense, particularly one led by a quarterback who will make his 195th start on Sunday when Cleveland (3-9) visits. “Russ has seen every coverage,” Skowronek said. “He’s ran all these concepts before. So he knows progressions like probably the back of his hand.” Besides, Wilson knows he can't just preach about the importance of being unselfish without practicing it a little bit too. That means giving opportunities to those who have worked for it, no matter where they might fall on the depth chart. “I think that the best part about it is that we’re all super close,” Wilson said. “And I think that bond is really everything too, and just the understanding of each guy and the relationships that we have together, it’s fun. We’re having a great time.” It sure looks like it. The Steelers are averaging a healthy 28.7 points since Wilson recovered from a calf injury that forced him to watch the first six games from the sideline. For the first time in a long time, Pittsburgh no longer has to rely exclusively on its defense to get by. While Mike Tomlin will never get comfortable with the idea of getting into a shootout — blame his defensive coaching roots before taking over in Pittsburgh in 2007 — it's nice to know his team can match opponents score for score if necessary. Another one could be looming against the Browns, who piled up more than 500 yards in a loss to Denver on Monday night. If one materializes, Wilson is ready to do whatever is necessary and find whoever is necessary, regardless of pedigree, salary or resume. “We got to love that part of it,” Wilson said. “We can’t fear it. We’ve got to want it. We’ve got to expect it. We’ve got to embrace it. We’ve got to challenge that. We’ve got to be in those moments and be locked into that moment. I think we do an extremely good job of that.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflPatrick Mahomes mom Randi confirms Christmas troubles after Chiefs star and wife share pictures of kids

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