www 747 casino live MAPUTO, Mozambique. (AP) — At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, the country's police chief said, as widespread post-election riots and violence are roiling the country. Police chief Bernardino Rafael said 33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces. The prisoners fled during violent protests that have seen police cars, stations and infrastructure destroyed after the country’s Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of the Oct. 9 elections. The escape from the Maputo Central Prison, located 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the capital, started around midday on Wednesday after “agitation” by a “group of subversive protesters” nearby, Rafael said. Some of the prisoners at the facility snatched weapons from the guards and started freeing other detainees. “A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces,” said Rafael. “They (protesters) were making noise, demanding that they be able to remove the prisoners who are there serving their sentences”, said Rafael, adding that the protests led to the collapse of a wall, allowing the prisoners to flee. He called on the escaped prisoners to surrender to authorities and for the population to be informed about the fugitives. Videos circulating on social media show the moment inmates left the prison, while other recordings reveal captures made by military personnel and prison guards. Many prisoners tried to hide in homes, but some were unsuccessful and ended up being detained again. In one video, a prisoner still with handcuffs on his right wrist says he was held n the disciplinary section of the prison and was released by other inmates.

PITTSBURGH (TNS) —This holiday season, consumers nationwide upped their spending in stores and online, according to early data from Visa's Retail Spending Monitor. Overall retail spending in the U.S. this holiday season increased by nearly 5% from 2023. Visa's report reflects spending at retail merchants from the seven-week period following Nov. 1 across all payment methods. It excludes spending in some categories, such as autos, gasoline, restaurants and more, and is not adjusted for inflation. "The spending growth this holiday season portends continued consumer confidence in their own outlook — jobs, wage growth — and the broader economy going into 2025," said Visa Chief Economist Wayne Best. Where are people shopping this holiday season? In the Pittsburgh area, over 30% of people said they prefer to shop at online-only stores over the holidays, according to a regional survey conducted by Schmidt Market Research in November. But nationally, in-person shopping experienced the most growth. Visa found that total retail spending in stores increased by 4% from last year — more than double its growth rate from 2022 to 2023. Online shopping at stores with and without brick-and-mortar locations still increased, but at slower paces than last year, according to the report. And over three-quarters of all payments occurred in store during the seven-week period. Best said that in-person shopping gains today show "the adaptability of both consumers and retailers" after a slowdown during and after the pandemic. What are shoppers buying? Sales of electronics and appliances — from cell phones to washers, dryers and refrigerators — increased significantly this year, according to Visa's report. Best said that category saw growth in 2023 as well, but at a slower pace. Increased spending in 2024 could be the result of consumer concern about higher prices next year due to President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, he said. Clothing and accessories sales also rose more this year than last, according to the report. And spending on building materials — such as hardware, paint and gardening supplies — is up nearly 5% after a downturn in 2023. While power tools and other items in that category make popular Christmas gifts, Mr. Best said, people also could be more motivated to take on home improvement projects amidst an unfavorable housing market and high-interest rates. Four years out from 2020, homeowners who locked in low rates during the pandemic might be ready for upgrades. "Consumers spending more money on experiences and DIY projects can be an enjoyable way to make homes cozier," Best said. Fraud is on the rise Visa said it blocked almost double the amount of suspected fraud attempts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2024 versus 2023. Throughout the weekend, potential fraudulent transactions rose 200% globally. That's likely because fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to launch more sophisticated phishing attacks, holiday travel scams and more, Best said. In response, Visa started using generative artificial intelligence this year to stop fraud before it happens — part of a five year, $11 billion investment in technology to fight fraud. What does this mean for spending in 2025? Overall, Best said Visa's findings indicate that shoppers are feeling more confident in the economy's strength. Spending growth on non-necessity items, from accessories to tech gadgets, was not only sustained, it increased faster this year than last. "Looking ahead, 2025 will be characterized by continued solid economic growth," Best said. "As the Federal Reserve trims rates, continued consumer spending and business investment will be core supports to growth."Title: Ferdinand: Manchester United's Absurd Practice of Cutting Ordinary Employees While Retaining Underperforming Players

Srinagar : Kashmir valley remained snowbound on Friday, December 28, with intermittent snow and rain lashing Jammu and Kashmir during the day. All flights to and from Srinagar International Airport were cancelled, while train service was restored to the valley in the afternoon. Officials at Srinagar airport said that due to continuous snowfall and very low visibility, all flights to and from the airport have been cancelled. Train service to the valley resumed in the afternoon after the railway staff restored the tracks. Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained closed after hundreds of vehicles got stuck between the Pir Panjal tunnel and Srinagar city. Authorities kept toiling for the whole day, clearing stranded vehicles and attending to the needs of tourists and others stranded on the highway. Senior officials including the district magistrates of Kulgam and Anantnag supervised relief and restoration exercises as the SSPs of both these directs spent the entire day on the road with police personnel pushing stranded vehicles, attending to water and other requirements of travellers. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took meetings of senior officials to ensure early restoration of electric power supply, clearance of roads and preparedness at the medical facilities to attend to emergencies caused by the unprecedented snowfall. The district administration at all the districts in Kashmir valley moved out show clearance machines to restore all roads connecting the districts with each other and towns to the district headquarters. Despite its vagaries, snowfall has been a welcome occurrence as J&K was reeling under a four-month-long dry spell. Heavy snowfall in the mountains has replenished the perennial water reservoirs in J&K that sustain various rivers, streams, springs, lakes and other water bodies during the summer months.China Barter Trading Service Platform Contract Signing Ceremony Held in Beijing

How to Clean Your Smart Bulb: Maintenance, Troubleshooting Tips You Need to DoFive facts about electric vehicles in 2024Similarly, the rise of artificial intelligence and automation has transformed the way we work and interact with technology. Jobs that once required human expertise and intuition are now being automated, raising questions about the future of work and the role of humans in an increasingly digital world. The potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare, transportation, and other industries is immense, but it also raises ethical concerns about privacy, security, and algorithmic bias.