ace journey spin ph TVS Motor Company introduces TVS iQube 2.2 kWh in Sri LankaThe Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), an offshoot of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, on Thursday (December 26, 2024) announced to launch a nationwide public awakening campaign to free Hindu temples from the control of governments. The organisation is setting up a think tank comprising retired judges from the Supreme Court and high courts, as well as lawyers and religious leaders, who after studying the protocols of temple management, will prepare a draft to free the temples and to resolve any kind of dispute related to it. The VHP also demanded that all non-Hindus employed in temples and endowment departments be removed and only practising Hindus of faith be employed in the worship, offerings, and service to Hindu deities. Addressing the media in Delhi, the VHP’s organising general secretary Milind Parande said that now all the State governments should detach themselves from “discriminatory” the control, management, and day-to-day operation of temples. “Under the leadership of the revered seer community and the leading figures of the Hindu society, we are going to start a countrywide public awareness campaign for liberation of temples from government control. The campaign will start from Vijayawada on January 5, 2025,” Mr. Parande said. He added that it is unfortunate that even after so many years of Independence, Hindu temples are still under the shackles of government control. “The work of management and control of temples should now be handed over to the devout and able members of Hindu society. To address this, we have formed a think tank which has prepared a draft after studying the protocols of management of temples and to resolve any kind of dispute related to it. The draft has also kept in view the protocols that would be put in place when governments return the temples to Hindu society,” he said. He further informed that people holding Constitutional posts will form a ‘Dharmic Council’ at State levels. These State level councils would elect the district level councils which in turn will choose the trustees of the local temples in which various sections of the society including the scheduled castes and tribes would participate. “Before handing over the temples to the Hindu society, we urge that all non-Hindus employed in temples and endowment departments be removed. Following this, only practising Hindus with faith be employed in the worship, offerings, and service of God. Also, no politician or person associated with any political party should be appointed on the trust boards and in the management of temples,” he said. Mr. Parande added that only Hindus should have shops within and outside the temple premises, and that all encroachments and constructions made by non-Hindus as well as all encroachments and illegal constructions whatsoever on temple lands should be removed. And that the income of temples should be spent only for the propagation of the Hindu Dharma, for the service to society and related issues, and never participate in government work. Published - December 27, 2024 04:30 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit religion and belief

Baker Mayfield threw for five touchdowns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stayed in the race atop the NFC South by pounding the visiting Carolina Panthers 48-14 on Sunday afternoon. Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan both caught two TD passes and Bucky Irving rushed for 113 yards as Tampa Bay's second victory of the month against Carolina came much easier than the road version in overtime. Mayfield completed 27 of 32 passes for 359 yards and Evans caught eight balls for 97 yards. The Buccaneers (9-7) collected 551 yards of total offense. The Panthers (4-12) have lost five of their last six despite Bryce Young throwing two touchdown passes to Adam Thielen (five catches, 110 receiving yards). Young finished 15-for-28 passing for 203 yards, but Carolina managed only 39 rushing yards as it played without injured top running back Chuba Hubbard. Both of Mayfield's TD tosses to Evans were short (2 yards, 1 yard). Mayfield's scoring throws to McMillian covered 10 and 16 yards. He also had a 5-yard throw to Payne Durham to open the second-half scoring. The Buccaneers also scored off J. J. Russell's blocked punt return during a 25-second span of the third quarter when they racked up 14 points. Chase McLaughlin kicked field goals of 23 and 34 yards for the Buccaneers, who need to finish with a better record than the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional race because the tiebreaker favors Atlanta, which plays at Washington on Sunday night. Tampa Bay hosts New Orleans next weekend, while Carolina plays at Atlanta. After scoring on its first possession, Carolina's next three series on offense resulted in a total of minus-6 yards and three punts. The Buccaneers cashed in for 17 points following those defensive stops. The Panthers perked up by going 70 yards in 21 seconds to score on Young's 40-yard pass to Theilen with 50 seconds left in the half. They got the ball back following a Tampa Bay punt, and were in position to post 10 points in the last minute of the half until Eddy Pineiro's 53-yard field goal attempt was off the mark. Carolina has surrendered more points this year than in any season in franchise history, though Tampa Bay came four points shy of matching the most points ever allowed by the Panthers in a game. --Field Level MediaIsrael strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while WHO chief says he was meters awaySANTA CLARA — prepared as if he was the 49ers’ starting quarterback all week, but the reality didn’t hit home until Friday, when Brock Purdy again missed practice. “I know he had a plan for his shoulder all week, rest it a little bit on Wednesday and we’d split reps,” Allen said of Purdy. “I think the plan Thursday was to come out and practice. I guess in warmups it just wasn’t feeling right. I found out (Friday).” Allen, a 32-year-old veteran in his ninth season, will start Sunday when the 49ers (5-5) visit the Green Bay Packers (7-3) at Lambeau Field. Purdy was ruled out with a shoulder injury sustained in a , the first time he has missed a start because of injury after 31 regular-season and six postseason starts. Here are five things to know about Allen: The Fayetteville, Arkansas native’s father Bobby spent more than 20 years as an Arkansas assistant coach. After a redshirt season in 2011, Allen played in 42 games with 38 starts for the Razorbacks. As a senior, Allen completed 57.4 percent of his passes for 3,440 yards, 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions as Arkansas went 8-5. His brother Austin took over as the Arkansas quarterback. In his ninth season, only Joe Ferguson (11 seasons) of the Buffalo Bills has more time in the NFL among Arkansas quarterbacks. Drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen spent his rookie season behind Blake Bortles and Chad Henne as a third-string quarterback and did not play. He was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 and played behind Jared Goff and Sean Mannion before being signed by the Denver Broncos in 2019. Allen won his first start against Cleveland 24-19 in Week 9 of that season, passing for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Allen signed with Cincinnati in 2020, spent time on the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in November. Subbing for Joe Burrow, Allen had his career-best game, passing for 371 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-31 win. Allen is 2-7 as an NFL starter with 1,611 yards passing, 10 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 78.0 passer rating. Allen became a 49er on May 8, 2023, signing as a free agent. The 49ers, who up to that point seldom kept a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, kept Allen as a No. 3 all season behind Purdy and Sam Darnold after the previous year’s injuries to Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, and finally Purdy in the NFC Championship Game. Allen did not take a snap. Related Articles Allen signed another one-year contract with the 49ers for one year and $1.21 million (which is more than the $985,000 that Purdy makes on his rookie deal). The 49ers also signed Joshua Dobbs to a one-year, guaranteed $2.35 million contract. Allen and Dobbs competed throughout training camp, with Allen earning the nod from coach Kyle Shanahan. “You’ve got to make a decision. Usually I don’t want to have to make it,” Shanahan said. “I want it to be that obvious, let it play out. Brandon had the head start just being here. I thought he did some better things in practice.” While in Denver, Allen’s offensive coordinator was Rich Scangarello, who was the quarterbacks coach under Shanahan in 2017-18. In Los Angeles, the head coach was Sean McVay and the offensive coordinator was Matt LaFleur, both of whom run variations of the Shanahan offense. In 2018, Zac Taylor was his quarterbacks coach with the Rams. Taylor, upon being hired as head coach in Cincinnati, signed Allen to back up Burrow.

without a care in the world is the best way to ring in 2025. or signup to continue reading But if you need something, . Here are the opening hours for major stores, supermarkets and bottleshops in each Australian state and territory so you're well-stocked to greet the new year. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24-hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24-hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Stores in Firle, Tea Tree, Munno Para, Ingle Farm, Kurralta Park, West Lakes, Port Noarlunga, Marion and Churchill are closed on New Year's Day. Adelaide metro stores are open on New Year's Eve but close on New Year's Day. Adelaide's Rundle Place supermarket is the exception, opening from 11am to 5pm. Supermarkets in Berri, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge Green, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Victor Harbor and Whyalla are open from 8am to 8pm on New Year's Day. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All regional Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. However the Millicent store and metropolitan stores are closed on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Some stores in SA will close on 1 January 2025. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. However the Northam store is closed on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Most Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Stores in Byford, Belmont, Trinity, Raine Square, Erskine, Altone Park, Bunbury, Gosnells and Geraldton Bluff Point are closed on New Year's Day. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and from 8am to 8pm on New Year's Day. However the Gove store opens at 9am and closes at 5pm on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles in Goondiwindi, Mt Isa and Ayr are closed on December 29, the supermarket said. Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Stores in Milton Village and Red Hill are closed on New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Most Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. The Red Hill and Milton Village shops are closed on New Year's Day. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement

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Stock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.3% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 418 points, or 1%. The Nasdaq composite is down 1.8%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market. The S&P 500 is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. Energy was the best-performing sector as oil prices rose more than 1%. In Asia, stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose.

(Reuters) - Richard D. Parsons, a longtime banking executive who took the helm of Time Warner during a troubled time for the communications company and who helped Citigroup navigate the financial crisis, died on Thursday at age 76. A prominent Black businessman, Parsons also helped the NBA's Clippers navigate a scandal over racism. Parsons was widely credited with the turnaround of Time Warner after its botched $165 billion merger with AOL, CNN reported. With Parsons as CEO, Time Warner slashed its debt by roughly half as it ushered in a new era of sustainable growth. The New York Times said the cause of death was cancer, citing Ronald Lauder, a longtime friend of Parsons and chairman of the board of Estee Lauder. Parsons, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, had also served on the Estee Lauder board, as well as on the board of asset management firm Lazard. He "was more than an iconic leader in Lazard's history — he was a testament to how wisdom, warmth, and unwavering judgment could shape not just companies, but people's lives," Lazard said in a statement on its website. "When Citigroup faced its darkest hour during the financial crisis, he stepped forward as Chairman despite the immense challenges ahead, saying simply, 'You can't abandon your troops when the going gets tough,'" Lazard said. Citigroup, in a statement, said: "Dick applied his legendary leadership capabilities during an incredibly challenging time for our company, leaving Citi better than he found it." In 2014, when the NBA banned Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life over racist comments, the basketball league installed Parsons as Clippers interim chief executive. "At a time of adversity and uncertainty for the Los Angeles Clippers, Dick stepped in to provide the type of steady and reassuring leadership that defined his remarkable career in business and public service," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said In a statement Thursday. The Times noted that Parsons was often the only Black executive in a boardroom and spoke out on social issues, including following the death of George Floyd in 2020. He is best remembered as a troubleshooter, handling corporate emergencies such as losses at Dime Bancorp during the savings and loan crisis in the 1980s, the Times reported. Lazard also noted his service as chairman of the Apollo Theater and the Jazz Foundation of America, and his positions on the boards of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. He is survived by his wife, Laura, with whom he had three children, the Times reported. (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; additional reporting by Rory Carroll and Michelle Price; editing by Donna Bryson and Leslie Adler)The Five Steps To Drive Customer Growth With Product-Led Growth

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Alberta cancels foreign worker recruitment trip to United Arab Emirates EDMONTON — The Alberta government says it has pulled the plug on a foreign worker recruitment mission in the United Arab Emirates scheduled for early next year. Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press Dec 9, 2024 1:11 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen is sworn into cabinet, in Edmonton, Friday, June 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson EDMONTON — The Alberta government says it has pulled the plug on a foreign worker recruitment mission in the United Arab Emirates scheduled for early next year. Documents show the mission was part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, which works to fast-track the permanent residency process for workers in sought after sectors like health care, technology and law enforcement. The program, which is jointly run by both the provincial and federal government, is how Alberta works to manage its federally allocated economic immigrant targets each year. In 2024, it was 9,750. Provincial Immigration Minister Muhammad Yaseen says he decided to cancel the trip after reviewing its purpose. "We became aware that a potential recruitment mission to the UAE was being considered and that planning was underway by officials within the department of Immigration and Multiculturalism," Yaseen said in a statement Sunday. "I have reviewed the mission purpose and at this time have decided not to pursue it further." An itinerary for the three-day trip says government resources were to be used to facilitate interviews with workers and Alberta-based employers who signed up. Employers were to pay their travel costs. Alberta isn't unique in organizing such recruiting trips. It's a practice employed by provinces including New Brunswick, Manitoba and Quebec to try and address labour shortages in key sectors. Quebec announced last month that it was temporarily halting all international recruitment trips until at least next summer, as the government works to re-evaluate its immigration strategy and clear out the backlog of applicants to its economic migrant program. United Arab Emirates was also the destination for a 2022 recruitment trip for Prince Edward Island government staff and trucking and health care industry representatives. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said increased immigration and population growth is partly responsible for issues plaguing the province, such as housing shortages and health-care capacity strains. Yaseen said Alberta has experienced "unsustainable levels of immigration" as a result of federal policy but didn't say whether the United Arab Emirates trip was cancelled over those concerns. Between July 2023 and July of this year, Alberta's population grew by 4.4 per cent, or about 204,000 people. A government population report from September says about 60,000 of those new Albertans were immigrants, while 91,000 were temporary foreign workers, international students, refugees and asylum seekers. "It is our belief that Ottawa’s priority should be on reducing the number of temporary foreign workers, international students and asylum seekers — not on reducing provincially selected economic migrants," Yaseen said. In October, the federal government reduced immigration targets for the next three years by about 20 per cent, with much of the reduction to future permanent resident admissions. Much of the decrease is to provincial nominee programs like the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. The provincial program limit was set at 120,000 per year for all provinces combined in 2025 and 2026 prior to the target reduction, which dropped the total to 55,000 in each of the next three years. Yaseen's press secretary Neil Singh did not respond to multiple inquiries over the past week about the Alberta program and how many international recruiting trips the government has organized over the last few years. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024. Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Alberta News Métis National Council elects new president after months of internal turmoil Dec 9, 2024 1:56 PM QB Tre Ford approaches upcoming CFL season armed with Elks' vote of confidence Dec 9, 2024 1:28 PM Canadian Western Bank says legal claim is the reason it delayed earnings release Dec 9, 2024 8:31 AM

Cabinet ministers have been warned they must find more savings in their departments as the Chancellor said “every pound” of Government spending will be scrutinised in a major budget review. Secretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”Colts coach Shane Steichen feeling heat after playoff elimination

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