Scots are ready to vote for at the next Holyrood elections because there is no enthusiasm for Labour and the Tories have “deserted the pitch”, Nigel Farage has said. said his party was gaining support across the political spectrum north of the border because of “a general sort of fed-upness with Scottish politics”. Opinion polling – as well as results at the general election and recent council by-elections – Reform is on course to return several MSPs at Holyrood in 2026. The Right-wing party could emerge as ’s fourth-largest group, ahead of the Liberal Democrats and Greens. “I mean, I couldn’t even tell you what the Scottish Conservatives stand for,” Mr Farage . “I haven’t got an effing clue what they stand for. I mean, I just don’t know who they are or what they are. It’s almost as if they sort of deserted the pitch.” However, he claimed Reform had “far more potential with Labour votes than we have Tory votes in Scotland” because of disillusionment . At the general election, Reform in constituencies throughout the central belt and in all Glasgow’s seats. Across Scotland, it won seven per cent of the vote – enough to return around eight MSPs if the result was repeated in 2026. However, recent polls have put the party on double figures in Scotland. In council by-elections in Glasgow last week – in which the Tories typically perform poorly – it won 18 per cent of voters in the north-east of the city and almost 13 per cent in both Maryhill and Drumchapel and Anniesland. “All those seats that Labour won in Scotland, they were what I would call ,” said Mr Farage. “There wasn’t any great ‘Whoa, this is the Labour Party, wow, isn’t this exciting?’ There was none of that.” Reform sources have previously told The Telegraph that the party is plotting a major assault on the Holyrood elections. The party achieved its result at the general election despite having no visible national Scottish campaign and in several cases standing “paper candidates” who did not campaign locally. Russell Findlay, , has said he is aware of the threat posed by Reform, but has vowed to “reconnect” with those “scunnered by a lot of politicians”. John Swinney, the SNP leader and First Minister, has previously described Mr Farage’s politics as “repulsive”.
In addition to optimizing evaluation methods, the new regulations also prioritize the establishment of long-term partnerships between healthcare providers and suppliers. By fostering collaborative relationships based on trust and mutual benefit, the regulations aim to promote stability and continuity in the procurement process. This approach can help to reduce risks and uncertainties for both healthcare providers and suppliers, ultimately leading to more efficient and cost-effective procurement practices.
The issuance of the Tier 2 capital bonds demonstrates SPDB's strong market reputation and credit quality, attracting interest from a diverse range of investors, including institutional investors, asset management firms, and individual investors. The high demand for the bonds reflects the confidence of investors in SPDB's financial strength and long-term viability, as well as their positive outlook on the Chinese banking sector as a whole.Ensuring your retirement is happy, healthy and fulfilling
The New Orleans Pelicans (4-12) will be monitoring eight players on the injury report, including Brandon Ingram, ahead of their Friday, November 22 game against the Golden State Warriors (11-3) at Smoothie King Center. The Warriors have listed two injured players. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. In their most recent game on Wednesday, the Pelicans suffered a 128-100 loss to the Cavaliers. Antonio Reeves scored a team-leading 34 points for the Pelicans in the loss. The Warriors took care of business in their last matchup 120-97 against the Hawks on Wednesday. Andrew Wiggins recorded 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Warriors. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .FORT PROVIDENCE, NT , Dec. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - The federal government is contributing $7.18 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative (ISTHI), towards a new emergency shelter for Indigenous women, their children and 2SLGBTQI+ persons fleeing gender-based violence in Fort Providence . A subsidy from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is also being provided for ongoing operations and support. The announcement was made by Michael McLeod , Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories and Michael Vandell , Chief of Deh Gáh Got'ı̨ę First Nation. The shelter will have 20 units and 60 beds. It will also have services available designed to foster overall well-being and improve long-term outcomes for residents. They also announced federal funding of $4.9 million for three infrastructure projects in Fort Providence , Simpson Island and Yellowknife . One will help build a new water treatment facility and a drinking water reservoir for Fort Providence , which will replace the aging system. The camp will include one-bedroom and family cabins, a main lodge with kitchen and dining areas, a firepit with seating, and an arbor gathering area by the water. Finally, a new chiller unit for is being installed in the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife . Quotes: "We know that the experiences of Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness are unique and different, and so they require a more compassionate and tailored experience for their well-being. The federal government recognizes these distinct needs and has committed to supporting inclusive and equitable solutions, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender identity, have access to safe resources and services. Additionally, we will continue to invest in infrastructure to eliminate the gaps in services that northerners experience. Today's announcement will ensure continued and improved water quality and access for residents in Fort Providence , a much needed gathering camp for the Metis community in Fort Resolution to be able to connect with their culture, and improved air quality for all who work in and visit our Territorial Legislative Assembly. We will continue to work with northerners on their priorities for their communities." – Michael McLeod , Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories , on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities "Everyone deserves to live free from violence. Yet, far too often, Indigenous women, their children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face disproportionate risks simply because of their gender or identity. That's why the opening of Providence Shelter is so important. With 60 rent-free beds, this shelter will offer a safe haven for those escaping violence, providing critical support in times of need. This project reflects our plan to address the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. It's a step toward healing, undoing generational harms, and ensuring that everyone has the safety and dignity they deserve." – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services "These investments in our NWT communities show a commitment from all levels of government to provide clean, sustainable drinking water, and supports shelters for those in need. Cultural camp funding builds our communities and strengthens our residents by providing a venue for traditional activities. We will continue to find unique investments that meet the needs of our communities, and our residents." – Vince McKay , Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories "Infrastructure Canada's Investment funding program has provided an opportunity for enhancements to the communities dated and deteriorated system for treating and distribution of drinking water. Providing a dependable water source and upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant ensures safe drinking water for all Hamlet of Fort Providence residents for many years to come." – His Worship Danny Beaulieu, Mayor of Hamlet of Fort Providence "Today's announcement marks a significant step forward for our resilient community. The shelter will serve as a safe haven, addressing the unique needs of Indigenous women, children, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. By empowering and supporting our most vulnerable members, we strengthen the entire community. Together, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels protected, supported, and inspired to thrive." – Michael Vandell , Chief of Deh Gáh Got'ı̨ę First Nation Quick facts: Funding for today's announcement is as follows: Providence Shelter project: $7,183,279.78 from the federal government through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative (ISTHI) delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant and Reservoir: $3,580,875 from the federal government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). the Simpson Islands Métis All-Season Cultural Gathering Camp: $1,083,05 from the government through the ICIP. the Legislative Assembly Chiller Unit project: $305,578 from the federal government through the ICIP. Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $115+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home. The NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. It was created after consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, including those who have experienced housing need. All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people and communities. The $420 million Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative (ISTHI) was launched in November 2021 to support the construction of additional shelters and transitional homes for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals fleeing gender-based violence, including in urban areas and in the North. The funding is part of the $724.1 million budget for a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy, as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, of which: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is allocating $420 million over 5 years to support the construction of new shelters and transitional housing. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is investing $304 .1 million over five years, and $96 .6 million annually to support the operational costs of new shelters and transition homes and expand funding for culturally relevant violence prevention activities. CMHC and ISC sought input from Indigenous organizations and subject matter experts to form committees and develop the evaluation process. Eligible applications are evaluated by Indigenous-led committees comprised of representatives from CMHC, ISC, Indigenous organizations, subject matter experts in shelters and housing delivery, as well as people with lived experience. This ensures selected projects are culturally appropriate and meet the needs of clients. The committees provide overall direction and prioritization, as well as review and score proposals. The Federal Pathway is Canada's contribution to the broader 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan developed in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, survivors, families, and Indigenous women's organizations in response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Call for Justice 4.7, 16.19 and 18.25 of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls call for all governments to support the establishment and funding of shelters, safe spaces, transition homes, second-stage housing, and services for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line is available to provide emotional support and crisis referral services to individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Call the toll-free Crisis Line at 1-844-413-6649. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Associated Links: Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information. As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that everyone in Canada has a home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on X , Instagram , YouTube , LinkedIn and Facebook . To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit: www.placetocallhome.ca . More information about the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative can be found here: ISTHI Visit Housing for Indigenous Peoples for more information on Programs and subsidies that support the building and management of housing for Indigenous Peoples Check out the National Housing Strategy Housing Funding Initiatives Map to see affordable housing projects that have been developed across Canada. Information on the Family Violence Prevention Program is available at: Family Violence Prevention Program (sac-isc.gc.ca) More information about the Government of Canada's work with partners to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people can be found here: Backgrounder: Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People The Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls SOURCE Government of Canada View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/06/c7355.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Special counsel moves to abandon election interference and classified documents cases against Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning reelection despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” Israel launches new airstrikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to a ceasefire with Hezbollah BEIRUT (AP) — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. What's blocking a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah? BEIRUT (AP) — Diplomats and other officials say there have been several sticking points in ceasefire talks to end the war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, even as conditions for an agreement appear to be ripe. Israel’s military has killed nearly all of the militant group’s top leaders, but it continues to fire missiles into Israel. Tens of thousands of Israelis who were evacuated from the border months ago are pressuring their government to help them go home. And the world wants to stop regional conflict from spreading after more than a year of fighting. Following the latest visit to the region by a U.S. mediator, Israel hit central Beirut over the weekend, and Hezbollah responded with its biggest barrage in weeks as each applied pressure to reach a deal. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily since the day after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, setting off the war in Gaza. Israel launched a widespread bombardment of Lebanon two months ago, then a ground invasion. More than 3,500 people in Lebanon have been killed, many of them civilians. Thanksgiving Travel Latest: Airport strike, staff shortages and weather could impact holiday travel Airports and highways are expected to be jam-packed during Thanksgiving week, a holiday period likely to end with another record day for air travel in the United States. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday, most of them by car. However, travelers could be impacted by ongoing weather challenges and those flying to their destinations could be grounded by delays brought on by airline staffing shortages and an airport service workers strike. Here's the latest: U.S. airlines are preparing for a Thanksgiving holiday rush, and so are the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service and FedEx. Shipping companies will deliver about 2.2 billion packages to homes and businesses across the U.S. from Thanksgiving to Dec. 31, said Satish Jindel, a shipping and logistics expert and president of ShipMatrix. White Florida woman sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting Black neighbor in lengthy dispute A white Florida woman who fatally shot a Black neighbor through her front door during an ongoing dispute over the neighbor’s boisterous children was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison for her manslaughter conviction. Susan Lorincz, 60, was convicted in August of killing Ajike “A.J.” Owens, 35, by firing a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun in June 2023. She had faced a maximum of 30 years behind bars. Circuit Judge Robert Hodges opted for a slightly lesser term amid evidence that Lorincz had been abused as a child and had mental health problems. “The shooting was completely unnecessary in this case,” Hodges said during an afternoon hearing. “The shooting, I find, was based more in anger than in fear.” The shooting was the culmination of a long-running argument between the two neighbors over Owens’ children playing in a grassy area near both of their houses in Ocala, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Orlando. Prosecutors said Owens had come to Lorincz’s home after her children complained that she had thrown roller skates and an umbrella at them, which Lorincz denied. Trial testimony showed Owens, a mother of four young children, was pounding on Lorincz’s door and yelling, leading Lorincz to claim self-defense in shooting her neighbor. Judge in LA delays until January decision on resentencing Menendez brothers LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge on Monday delayed until January his decision on whether to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez for killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion 35 years ago, squashing their family’s hope the brothers would be released and home for the holidays. Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic said at the hearing in Los Angeles that he needed time to review 17 boxes of documents and give a new district attorney in Los Angeles County time to weigh in on the case. “I’m not ready to go forward,” Jesic said, setting the hearing for the resentencing request for Jan. 30 instead of Dec. 11 as originally planned. The brothers were scheduled to be seen in court for the first time in decades at the hearing but technical problems prevented them from appearing virtually from a San Diego prison. They were found guilty of murdering Jose and Kitty Menendez in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. While their defense attorneys argued at trial that they had been sexually abused by their father, prosecutors denied that and accused them of killing their parents for money. In the years that followed, they repeatedly appealed their convictions without success. Supreme Court won’t hear challenge to graphic cigarette warning labels WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court won’t hear a challenge to a federal requirement that cigarette packages and advertising include graphic images demonstrating the effects of smoking. The high court declined to hear the case in a brief written order handed down Monday. Tobacco company R.J. Reynolds appealed to the high court after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the warnings do not violate the First Amendment. They include pictures of smoke-damaged lungs, feet blackened by diminished blood flow and a picture of a woman with a large growth on her neck and the caption “WARNING: Smoking causes head and neck cancer.” The company argued the final image, for example, was misleading because a patient would likely go to the doctor before a growth reached that size. Russia reportedly captures a Briton fighting for Ukraine as Russian troops advance Russia's military captured a British national fighting with Ukrainian troops who have occupied part of Russia's Kursk region, according to reports Monday, as Moscow began daylight drone attacks on civilian areas of Ukraine and its ground forces accelerated gains along parts of the front line. The Briton was identified by state news agency Tass and other media as James Scott Rhys Anderson. Tass quoted him as saying that he had served as a signalman in the British army for four years and then joined the International Legion of Ukraine, formed early on in Russia's nearly 3-year-old war against its neighbor. On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces are straining to hold at bay a push by Russia's bigger army at places in the eastern Donetsk region. Russian forces recently have gained ground at “a significantly quicker rate” than they did in the whole of last year, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank. The Russians have detected and are exploiting weaknesses in the Ukrainian defenses, it said in an analysis late Sunday. The war surpassed 1,000 days last week, and the milestone coincided with a significant escalation in hostilities. Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. So you're gathering with relatives whose politics are different. Here are some tips for the holidays NEW YORK (AP) — There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. That's one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make — things to do and things to avoid — that could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place.In the wake of the fire incident, Alibaba reinforced its commitment to data security and operational excellence. The company leveraged the incident as an opportunity to enhance its emergency response protocols and reaffirm its dedication to customer trust. By addressing the issue head-on and implementing proactive measures, Alibaba demonstrated its resilience and ability to navigate challenges with integrity and accountability.