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The Associated Press 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 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 , gold and other investments also drove higher. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball’s Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year’s spurt of 24.2%. The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the 1.5 percentage points that many traders were forecasting for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and the world . The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. Related Articles Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices Chelmsford Mall purchased in off-market deal Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights Are religious people more generous than non-religious people? What new study finds Amazon and Starbucks workers are on strike. Trump might have something to do with it The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It’s been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump’s election. He’s turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he’s named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing someone who critics said was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. Gold’s rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It’s also benefited from the Fed’s cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. It’s a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it’s also a threshold that Tesla’s stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk’s close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. That’s how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial-intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia’s chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia’s worth to more than $3 trillion in total. GameStop’s gain on May 13 after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ meme stock craze ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he sold all of his holdings by late October . That’s how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody’s. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. That’s the total number of previously occupied homes sold nationally through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024’s home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Auto-emptying cordless vacuums are one of the biggest trends on the cleaning scene, but they tend to be quite large and visually cumbersome. If you want the convenience of a self-emptying vacuum but don't want an unsightly base in your living space, the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI strikes the right balance of function and aesthetics. This high-end cordless stick vacuum isn't just powerful — it's also surprisingly sleek, with a stylish base that won't be an eyesore in your home. The addition of the base also very much limits how often you come into contact with any debris. However, this top-of-the-line vacuum isn't cheap, and I tested it for a month in my multi-pet home to see how it compares against the best cordless vacuums . Its overall cleaning performance was impressive — as was its appearance — but there are a few critiques you should know about before you splurge. The Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Cordless Stick has a sleek design with an auto-emptying base that minimizes contact with dust, and its five suction settings make it a powerful cleaning tool for your home. Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Sleek Design with auto-empty dock Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Five suction settings Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Telescoping wand Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Digital display with battery life timer con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Awkwardly designed base with no storage for attachments con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Long hair wraps around brushroll con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Short warranty, for the price Specifics Dustbin: 0.5 liters (vacuum); 2 liters (base) Weight: 6.3 pounds Battery: Up to 100 minutes Brush length: 9.8 inches Filtration: Five-stage HEPA Warranty: 1 year Extras: All-in-one clean station, Pet Tool+, combination tool, crevice tool, seven dust bags Setup and Design The Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Cordless Stick Vacuum is designed with aesthetics in mind. It has a sleek round base with a fluted exterior and satin finish, and it could pass as a piece of contemporary decor. The vacuum has a matching finish, creating a seamless appearance when it's docked. It's definitely one of the most stylish vacuums I've seen, and I wouldn't mind having it out in the open in one of my main living spaces. However, I didn't get off to the best start with this vacuum. Despite having assembled dozens of cordless vacuums in my career, I had a surprisingly hard time setting it up. After unboxing all the pieces, I was able to put the vacuum itself together with no problem, but the design of the base wasn't intuitive. The side that I expected to be the back of the base was actually the front, which means you have to place the vacuum onto the back of the dock. It's a strange design choice that prioritizes aesthetics over function, and if you place the base too close to the wall, you'll end up banging the vacuum against it every time you put it away. The other thing that had me scratching my head was that there are three accessories — a powered pet tool, combination tool, and crevice tool — yet there's nowhere to store them. I spent longer than I care to admit prying at different panels on the base, trying to find a compartment where I could put the accessories. (I also read through the manual, which offered no insights.) It turns out that there's just not any storage for these pieces, which is a big negative if you ask me. What's the point of having a big, stylish base that's meant to be displayed in your home if you then have to keep the attachments separately in a closet somewhere? Our review of the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Stick vacuum To see how the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI stacks up against other cordless vacuums, I tested it in my home for around a month. I predominantly used it to vacuum the main floor of my home, which is around 1,000 square feet and features hardwood and linoleum floors, as well as several area rugs. Because I share my home with two long-hair dogs, as well as a short-haired cat, there's no shortage of dirt, dust, and pet hair, so I was able to put the vacuum through its paces to find out where it excelled — and where it fell short. This cordless vacuum is fairly lightweight at just over six pounds, and I found that it was very easy to carry around. It has an on/off switch on the top of the vacuum, as well as buttons to increase or decrease suction and a fancy digital display screen. When I turned the vacuum on for the first time, it even asked me to select my preferred language. I also love that it has a telescoping wand, which allows you to adjust its height. This makes it much more ergonomic to use, especially if you're a taller individual. When you're done cleaning, you simply dock this vacuum back on its base, which then automatically empties the dust bin. The dock also makes sure the vacuum is fully charged and ready to go the next time you need it. One of my favorite aspects of the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI is that it has five different cleaning settings — Min, AI, Mid, Max, and Jet — with a maximum suction power of 280 air watts. Most cordless vacuums only have three settings, and I've found that "eco" modes are often too weak to be useful, and "max" modes drain the battery way too quickly. For this reason, I appreciate having more suction levels in between to find the right balance of performance and battery life. When you turn this vacuum on, it defaults to AI mode, which automatically adjusts its suction based on the floor type to maximize battery life — it functions similarly to the "Auto" mode you'll find on cordless vacuums from Shark, Dyson, and Tineco. This setting worked surprisingly well, increasing suction as soon as I moved onto carpeting and dropping it back down when it sensed hard floors, It also boosted suction when I drove it through a large amount of dirt or debris. I used the Bespoke Jet AI vacuum for everyday cleaning around my house, and I also put it through a series of tests, using it to suck up debris like uncooked rice, coffee grounds, and baby powder off different types of flooring. Because it offers more settings than your average vacuum, I was able to dial in the suction to the task at hand, and it did a (mostly) great job on both hard floors and carpeting thanks to its dual brushrolls. However, it struggled with larger debris like cereal and rice on hardwoods — the floorhead is too low and struggled to suck up the large pieces, often just pushing them around the floor instead. Another area where this vacuum struggled was cleaning up pet hair — long pet hair, in particular. After cleaning the main floor of my home, where my two golden retrievers spend most of their time, I noticed that there was a lot of hair wrapped around the vacuum's brushroll, and I had to use scissors to cut it off. I was surprised that such an expensive vacuum doesn't have any sort of anti-tangle technology, and as such, I can't recommend it for households with long-haired pets. You'll just end up having to clean off the brushroll again and again. The crevice and combo tools are fairly standard in terms of attachments, but I did like the Pet Tool+. Thanks to its rubber fins, it did a great job picking up pet hair off my furniture, and unlike the floorhead, it doesn't get wrapped up in long strands of hair. The tool pivots slightly, making it easy to hold it at a comfortable angle as you clean. As with most cordless vacuums, Samsung's battery life varies greatly depending on what mode you're using. I generally used the AI mode for everyday cleaning, and on hard floors, the vacuum offers around 60 minutes of runtime, which is impressive. However, if you move over to carpeting, the suction increases, and the runtime drops down to around 30 minutes. On Mid mode, you generally get around 30 to 40 minutes of battery life, and runtime drops to 20 minutes on Max and just 12 minutes on Jet. However, I seldom turned this vacuum to anything higher than Mid for more than a few minutes at a time, so I think it's safe to say you'll get at least 30 minutes of use out of it in most instances. I love that you can monitor the exact amount of runtime you have left on the unit's digital display. The display has a countdown timer that adjusts based on the settings you use. The only other vacuum I've tested with this feature is the Dyson Gen5detect , which is similarly expensive. This vacuum can hold 0.5 liters of debris in its onboard dust bin, which is fairly standard. However, the real selling point is its auto-emptying base. Not only does the vacuum's dock look sleek, but it also makes emptying the vacuum a hands-off task. Every time you dock the vacuum, the base automatically opens the bottom of the vacuum's dust bin and uses powerful suction to pull out all the debris, which is then trapped in a 2-liter vacuum bag in the base. (There's also a button labeled Start/Stop that lets you manually run the self-emptying cycle.) The process is much more sanitary than banging a dustbin over the trash can, which often ends up spewing dust all over the room, and it's equally mess-free to change the inner bag, which is accessible through the front panel of the base. I've also noticed that this feature helps to keep the on-board dustbin cleaner. The auto-emptying feature works with or without the vacuum's wand attached — convenient when you're using a hand tool like the pet brush — but I did run into issues one time when I overfilled the on-board dustbin. I wasn't paying attention while cleaning and let the debris surpass the max fill line. When I put the vacuum on the dock, a large clump of pet hair got stuck toward the top of the dust cup. I ran the self-emptying cycle twice, but it wasn't able to dislodge the clump. I ended up manually digging out the debris over the trash can. This was the only time I ran into a problem with the base, and ultimately, it was my fault for not paying attention to how much debris I was picking up. There are a few things you'll need to do regularly to keep this vacuum working properly. When the button on the top of the dock turns red, that means it's time to replace the vacuum bag. The manual indicates that the bag generally needs to be emptied every one or two months — after using the vacuum for around a month, my bag was still only half full. The vacuum comes with six replacement bags , which is nice, and when you need to purchase more, they cost $40 for a pack of five. This vacuum also has three filters, all of which are washable, and the brand recommends cleaning them once a month. Because this vacuum often gets long hair wrapped around its brushroll, you'll want to check its floorhead periodically and cut off hair as needed. The brushroll can also be removed from the floorhead for more thorough cleaning. Cons to consider My biggest complaint about the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI is the design of the base. While it is attractive, I found it frustrating that it needs to be placed so far away from a wall, or else it's very hard to get the vacuum into the dock, as you have to place it in from the back. I also dislike that there's nowhere to store the vacuum's three accessories. The other major downside is that this vacuum quickly gets tangled with long strands of hair. If you have long-haired pets, you'll likely find yourself cutting hair off the brushroll frequently to keep it working properly. It's worth mentioning that despite its high price point, this vacuum only comes with a one-year warranty. (For comparison, Dyson vacuums come with a two-year warranty, and Shark offers a five-year warranty.) If you buy directly from the brand, you have the option to purchase Samsung Care+ , which offers three years of protection against mechanical and electrical problems, but it costs an extra $134.99. What are your alternatives? There are several versions of the Samsung Jet that you may want to consider — especially if you're hoping to spend a bit less. The next step down is the regular Bespoke Jet , which has a virtually identical design, including a self-emptying base and the same multi-level filtration. The regular Jet lacks AI mode and has a max runtime of 60 minutes, and it also has slightly less suction power than the AI model. However, it's a fair bit cheaper, retailing at $699.99, so it's a good option if you want a similar design at a lower price. If you want something even more affordable, the Samsung Jet 75 costs $400 and has fewer bells and whistles (i.e. forgoes the clean station but is compatible with one). There are several other auto-emptying models among the best cordless vacuums that we've tested that you may want to consider, as well. The LG CordZero All-in-One is a (slightly) less-expensive option, retailing for around $750, and it has a better self-emptying base that has hidden storage for all its attachments. This cordless vacuum is powerful and works well across both hard floors and carpeting, and it also has a spray mop attachment. The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System is another self-emptying option that automatically detects dirt and floor type, and while it's not as sleek as the Samsung Bespoke Jet, it's more budget-friendly at around $450. The bottom line The Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Cordless Vacuum has a lot going for it — it's powerful, low-maintenance, and versatile, and more than anything, it's surprisingly attractive for a vacuum. However, it's also very expensive at $1,000 and has some quirks, such as its awkward base and lack of accessory storage. If you're looking for something aesthetically pleasing, it might be worth the splurge, but in terms of cleaning performance, there are comparable (if not better) options that will cost significantly less.

BEREA, Ohio Disorderly conduct: Barrett Road A Berea man, 46, was cited at about 2:30 a.m. Nov. 29 after he yelled profanities at police from his eighth-floor apartment in Tower in the Park, 55 Barrett Road. Police were at the intersection of Barrett and West Bagley Road investigating a crash. A vehicle had slammed into a utility pole. Suddenly, police heard someone yelling, “(Fudge) you,” from a distance. The yeller also called police idiots. Police looked around and determined that the yeller was in the area of Tower in the Park. They yelled back at the man to stop yelling. The man laughed loudly and continuing yelling profanities. A Tower in the Park tenant called police to complain about the man yelling. He told police where the man lived. Police traced the man’s yelling to an apartment on the eighth floor of Tower in the Park. When he answered the door for police, he denied yelling at them, saying he had been sleeping. The man appeared to be under the influence of a stimulant. After police cited him, the yelling stopped. Disorderly conduct: North Quarry Lane An intoxicated Broadview Heights woman, 60, was arrested at about 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 after police found her lying on a walking path along North Quarry Lane near South Rocky River Drive. The woman was unable to remember her last name or Social Security number. Police recognized her from previous incidents. Illegal dumping: West Bagley Road An unidentified person dumped parts of a broken pool table, vacuum cleaners and other household items into and next to a dumpster Dec. 2 behind Cornerstone Dentistry, 1497 W. Bagley Road. Security video showed a pickup truck entering the Cornerstone parking lot at about 3:15 a.m. After throwing the items into the dumpster, the person drove away. Theft: West Bagley Road An unidentified man stole a reusable grocery bag containing merchandise at about 2 p.m. Nov. 29 from Second Mile Outreach, 480 W. Bagley Road. A worker at the thrift store saw it happen and called police. After stealing the bag, the man climbed into a Nissan and drove away. Theft: Fuller Street Two unlocked bicycles were stolen between 8 p.m. Nov. 30 and 10 a.m. Dec. 1 from the driveway of a home on Fuller Street. Theft: Barrett Road An unidentified woman stole packages at about 1 a.m. Nov. 25 from the mail room at Tower in the Park, 55 Barrett Road. The theft was captured on security video. RECOMMENDED • cleveland .com North Royalton woman arrested in connection with shoplifting, vehicle crash in Berea & Middleburg Heights Dec. 5, 2024, 3:48 p.m. Girl’s arm broken during scuffle at Berea park Dec. 5, 2024, 4:03 p.m. After stealing the packages, the woman walked out of the apartment building. A Tower in the Park staff member didn’t believe the woman was a tenant and thought that she was visiting someone. Read more from the News Sun .New Year, new you, and most importantly, new gifting goals! If you're one of those who always wait until the last minute to buy presents, we got your back. From skincare to smooth tipples, here’s a curated list of gifts that’ll make your loved ones feel like they’ve stepped into 2025 with great the right vibe! Foxtale Glazed Lips Brightening Lip Balm Lipstick who? Start the year with hydrated, sun-protected, and perfectly kissable lips. With peptides and Vitamin C, this balm brightens, nourishes, and throws shade at pigmentation. Bonus: SPF 30 lets your lips live their best life under the sun, all year long. It makes for the perfect gift this new year! Indulgeo Essentials Cera Range Give the gift of skincare that actually cares. This trio—moisturizer, foaming face wash, and body wash—repairs, hydrates, and nourishes like a true bestie. Perfect for your pals whose 2024 resolutions to “take better care of my skin” didn’t quite make it to the finish line. Yardley London Luxury Perfume Gift Set For the fragrance aficionados, Yardley’s got your back. This unisex gift set includes scents floral, woody, and fresh options. It’s like gifting a personal fragrance wardrobe for every mood. Dermafique Aqua Cloud Hydrating Crème If velvety skin is the dream, this crème is the reality check. Packed with seaweed extracts and shea butter, it hydrates like a boss and protects like a loyal sidekick. Give your friends the glow-up memo for 2025, one dab at a time. Leezu’s Lipstick ToyWhat looks like a lipstick but promises way more fun? Leezu’s cheeky little number! With 10 vibration modes and luxe silicone, it’s the gift they never saw coming but will never want to put down. Perfect for those who appreciate a good double entendre and self-care that’s as discreet as it is delightful. Outfits by Lost My Accent Start the year strutting in style with this Caribbean-inspired collection. Think organic cotton, bold prints, and silhouettes that scream vacation-ready. Perfect for the one friend who’s always planning their next trip or simply loves turning heads at brunch. Eume Tech Vegan Leather Laptop Case This one's for minimalists and workaholic friends! This sleek vegan leather case is the chicest way to carry laptops and look good doing it. It’s like gifting productivity, but make it stylish. Mamaearth Moisture Matte Long Stay Lipstick Light up this New Year with Mamaearth Moisture Matte Long Stay Lipstick Gift Set. Featuring two festive combos, Nude Perfection, and Bright & Bold, these mini lipsticks are designed to bring out both elegance and vibrance in every celebration. Whether it’s the subtle charm of nudes or the striking allure of bold shades, each lipstick offers up to 12 hours of flawless color and keeps lips nourished for 8 hours with Avocado Oil and Vitamin E. Blaupunkt - BH61 ANC HeadphonesStart the New Year on the right note with the Blaupunkt BH61 ANC Headphones, the perfect gift for peace and immersive sound. Featuring Moksha ANC technology, they block out distractions to deliver Blaupunkt's Signature Sound through 40mm drivers. With a 50-hour battery life, TurboVolt quick charging, plush ear cushions, and an adjustable headband, these headphones combine comfort, durability (IPX5 rating), and innovation. Jamie Duffle Bag by Mona B For the wanderlust-filled soul, this eco-friendly duffle is the ultimate travel companion. Comfy handles, durable canvas, and an adjustable strap make it practical, while the design is as experimental as it is quirky! Indri x House of the Dragon Whisky Edition Let the Game of Thrones fan in your life sip in style with this exclusive single malt. Whether they’re team Green Council or Black Council, these bottles deliver bold, sophisticated flavors fit for royalty. Perfect for New Year’s Eve toasts or dramatic rewatch marathons. Almond Delightful Body Balm by L'Occitane Why just hydrate when you can pamper? This body balm blends almond milk and oil to keep skin soft, supple, and smelling divine. It’s self-care in a bottle, perfect for loved ones who need a little TLC. STOK Beer For the friend who’s always the life of the party, STOK’s got three beer flavors—Strong, Lager, and Wheat—to match their vibe. Raise a glass to the New Year and let the good times flow responsibly. Chêne Chardonnay (White) From Grover Zampa This luxurious white wine is aged for nine months in French oak barrels, delivering a creamy texture and toasted flavors with a hint of vanilla. Each sip is a celebration, with delicate notes of peach, hazelnuts, and crème brûlée mingling effortlessly with the vibrant zest of apple, pear, and green plums. Whether you're toasting to new beginnings or pairing it with a decadent New Year’s feast, this wine is the epitome of elegance and joy. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Events, Lifestyle and around the world.

Lucknow, Dec 26 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several other leaders of the state on Thursday condoled the demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died in Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92. Singh's death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where he was admitted in the Emergency ward around 8.30 PM in a critical condition. Patel said Singh's demise was a major loss to the political realm. "Dr Manmohan Singh's demise is a profound loss to Indian politics. I pray for peace to his soul and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family," the governor said in a statement. Adityanath said, "The demise of former prime minister and eminent economist Dr Manmohan Singh is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to Indian politics." "As finance minister and prime minister, he played a significant role in the governance of the nation. My humble tributes to him! I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family and his supporters to bear this immense loss. Om Shanti," he said in a statement. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over Singh's passing. "A man of truth and a gentle personality, Dr Manmohan Singh's death is an irreparable international loss. Heartfelt tributes to the great economist and former prime minister," he said in a post on X. BSP chief Mayawati said on X, "The news of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh's death is extremely saddening. His notable contributions to India's economic progress and his virtuous nature will always be remembered. My deep condolences to his family and admirers." State Congress chief Ajay Rai paid homage to Singh through a poignant post on social media, saying, "Dr Manmohan Singh, a symbol of simplicity in politics, has bid farewell to the world. This news is immensely painful. "His visionary initiatives, including economic reforms, the nuclear agreement and MGNREGA, brought India to new heights of prosperity. The nation will forever be indebted to his contributions. Heartfelt tributes," Rai added. Singh, revered as one of India's finest economists and a beacon of decency in politics, leaves behind a legacy of transformative policies that shaped modern India. "He was treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26," AIIMS, Delhi, said in a bulletin. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)SpaceCraft - Official Reveal Trailer | PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted

Donation bin robbed at Summerland animal sanctuary charity shopSAN DIEGO , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BSD Builders, Inc. today announced it has received seismic certification from California's OSHPD/HCAi for its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions. Developed in partnership with 2G Energy Inc., the BSD Special Seismically Certified (SSC) Microgrid product is set to revolutionize energy resilience and efficiency for all types of buildings. The BSD SSC Microgrid system, consisting of a cogeneration power plant and fuel storage, was initially designed to support California skilled nursing facilities' compliance with California Assembly Bill 2511, which California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on September 29, 2022 . This bill requires these facilities to have an alternative power source to protect resident health and safety for at least 96 hours during any type of power outage. This microgrid power solution is a self-contained electrical system that can operate independently from the main power grid. With the seismic certification, it is now available for any type of building that needs uninterruptable power. "At BSD Builders, we're passionate about creating solutions that make a difference in people's lives. We have developed a proprietary solution that not only meets but exceeds California's stringent seismic requirements while providing a reliable and efficient source of power, especially during unexpected power loss or natural disasters," said Jeff Blair , CEO of BSD Builders, Inc. "This solution offers long-term benefits not only by lowering utility costs, it can also help to improve the stability of the regional electric grid and reduce carbon emissions." Key features of the BSD SSC Microgrid Solution include: "2G Energy is proud to partner with BSD on the BSD SSC Microgrid System designing it for a wide range of applications, providing a reliable and cost-effective energy solution for skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, data centers, pharmaceutical labs, research facilities, cold storage units, data centers, and more," stated Darren Jamison , Managing Director of 2G Energy North America. "The design utilizes proprietary technologies to offer clients reduced utility costs and increased reliability. It is designed for continuous parallel operation with the utility as well as stand-alone island mode," concluded Jamison. For more information about the BSD SSC Microgrid System or to schedule a consultation, please visit bsdbuilders.com . About BSD Builders, Inc . - BSD Builders, Inc. is a leading general contractor specializing in the healthcare industry. Focusing on exceeding industry standards and delivering exceptional value to clients, BSD Builders, Inc. continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the construction and energy sectors. About 2G Energy – 2G Energy is a globally recognized leader in the development and production of combined heat and power (CHP) systems. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, 2G Energy provides cutting-edge solutions that optimize energy efficiency and environmental performance. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bsd-builders-inc-advanced-microgrid-solutions-receives-california-seismic-certification-for-uninterruptible-power-supply-302324334.html SOURCE BSD Builders, Inc.FirstFarms hereby announces that CEO Anders H. Nørgaard has resigned from his position with effect from 31 August 2025. Anders H. Nørgaard, together with the rest of the management team, Søren Bredvig and Michael Hyldgaard, will continue to serve as CEO of the company until a new CEO is in place. Anders H. Nørgaard has been CEO since 2012. Anders has made a great effort and has successfully performed a transformation of FirstFarms. FirstFarms is well positioned to continue the growth journey in the ongoing strategy period towards 2028. ”I would like to say a big thank you to Anders for a close and constructive cooperation for almost 13 years, and wish Anders the best of luck with his new job, and on behalf of the board, a big thank you for the great effort, says chairman of the Board Henrik Hougaard. ”I would like to thank the board and employees for the good cooperation that has characterised all my years at FirstFarms. I am proud to have contributed to developing FirstFarms into a large, modern company in agriculture and food with a healthy and solid financial foundation and with great potential for continued growth”, says CEO Anders H. Nørgaard. Best regards, FirstFarms A/S For further information: Please visit our website www.firstfarms.com or contact chairman of the Board Henrik Hougaard on phone +45 40 53 62 48. About FirstFarms: FirstFarms is a Danish stock exchange listed company. We operate FirstFarms with responsibility for the surrounding communities, and we deliver highest quality which is primarily sold locally. We act on new opportunities, that create value for our investors and for the surroundings. Every day, we work on creating a more sustainable company. Attachment (12) CEO resigns from FirstFarms

It is not surprising that after decades of Coalition and Labor neoliberal governments robbing the poor to give to the rich that voters have been steadily deserting the major parties for smaller parties and independents. A by The Australia Institute (TAI), released in October, found that the share of the non-major party vote in federal elections rose from just 6.9% in 1982 to 31.5% in 2022. A similar pattern can be observed in all states over this same time. The Coalition and Labor parties have been the sole government parties in this country for more than a century and they are determined not to relinquish their political duopoly. As the last term of federal parliament draws to an end, the major parties are set to rush through the to give themselves even more election funding advantage over smaller parties and independents. The ruling elite has enjoyed the benefits of this two-party system because whichever side wins an election, they are guaranteed to have a pro-capitalist government! Most big corporations make donations to both major parties. The major parties already receive the lion’s share of public electoral funding, and the new bill will ensure that that share grows even bigger. As TAI : “In Australia, parties and candidates receive about $3 per vote they receive. Everyone casts two votes — one for the House of Representatives and one for the Senate — so every election you decide how about $6 of taxpayer money is distributed. “Because parties and candidates get this money after the votes are counted, it only benefits those who are contesting the next election. A new party or candidate doesn’t get any money for their first campaign. “This bill would increase per-vote public funding to $5 per vote. This will cost another $41 million per three-year election cycle, with about three-quarters (75%, or $32 million) going to major parties.” The bill also provides for $17 million in new administrative funding — $90,000 for each election cycle for an MP, and $45,000 per cycle for a senator, the TAI added. “If this funding were already in place, it would have been worth $8.1 million for Labor, $4.7 million for the Liberals, $1.6 million for the Nationals and $0.9 million for the Greens. “New parties and candidates — who also have administrative costs — get nothing.” The bill also introduces a $20,000 cap on election campaign donations that will advantage the major parties because they register multiple parties for various states and territories. TAI reported that “there are actually nine registered Labor parties: one for every state and territory and one federal”. This means that there are “nine opportunities to give to Labor in a given calendar year ($180,000 per year or $720,000 in an election cycle)”. It said the Liberal Party has eight parties and the National Party five — “so someone can still donate over a million dollars to the Coalition every election cycle”. Furthermore, the bill creates “nominated entities,” which will give the major parties another way around these donation caps. The bill also creates election spending caps, but once again provides loopholes for the major parties. This system of unfairly distributed electoral funding and corporate donations to the major parties is used to pay for deceptive and manipulative advertising campaigns to misinform the public and stir up racism, misogyny and bigotry against minorities. It acts as a political scapegoating exercise to deflect from the pain the major parties’ neoliberal policies inflict on the majority. This new bill is the latest of several election law changes, at federal and state levels, that aim to advantage the major parties and made it harder for smaller and newer parties to contest. In Victoria, proportional voting through multi-member seats was replaced by a with the express intention of reducing the number of Greens and socialist local councillors. Changes to federal election laws over decades have made it harder to register new parties and to keep that registration. Candidate deposits for the House of Representatives and the Senate have also increased — a move that makes it harder for smaller and newer parties, as well as for independents. Unfortunately some of these changes were . Even without the rigged funding, the major parties are already entrenched by the single-member electorates for the House of Representatives and in the lower houses in every state parliament except Tasmania. Proportional representation for all houses of parliament would be part of a more democratic and representative system. The current and replaced by a new system under which the electoral commissions have the duty to distribute and publicise the policies and profiles of all candidates.

UDR Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitorsBeyoncé’s Mom Details ‘Unbelievable’ Prep for NFL Halftime Show, Has ‘No Worries’ About Possible Netflix Glitches: ‘We Got Some Prayer Going on’Fire crews are working to extinguish a serious Highland blaze. At around 4.03pm today, the fire service received a call to a fire at Drumbeg on the B869. Police officers then closed the road to allow for fire crews to tackle the blaze. Four Sutherland and Wester Ross fire crews and a senior fire officer remain at the scene. At the time of writing, the road remains closed. It is unknown if there has been any injuries. In a post on social media, said: “The B869 at Drumbeg has been closed due to a fire and emergency services are in attendance. “Motorists are asked to use the A894 alternative route.”

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OTTAWA — The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has ordered Canada to address a backlog of requests under Jordan's Principle which is meant to ensure First Nations children don't wait to receive assistance because of jurisdictional battles. The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society raised concerns that Ottawa was taking too long to process requests for financing through Jordan's Principle, leaving children without access to services. The principle stipulates that when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services they are to receive them from the government first approached, with questions about final jurisdiction worked out afterward. It's named after Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Born in 1999 with multiple disabilities, Anderson died at five years old without ever leaving the hospital, because federal and provincial governments couldn’t decide who should pay for his at-home care. Caring Society executive director Cindy Blackstock told the tribunal the ever-growing Jordan's Principle backlog was of Canada's own making and that some kids are waiting months to receive the care they need. Urgent Jordan’s Principle requests are supposed to be processed within 24 hours. But urgent requests are taking up to one month to be reviewed, according to Independent First Nations, an advocacy body representing a dozen First Nations in Ontario and Quebec. Blackstock’s January affidavit said nearly half of requests made by individuals from those First Nations in 2023-24 are still in review, along with 10 per cent of the files submitted in 2022-23. The delays extend to the reimbursement of service providers, the Caring Society argued, with the Indigenous Services department missing its own promise to make those payments within 15 days. In 2022-23, the department processed only 50.7 per cent of payments within 15 business days, compared to 82.9 per cent in 2021-22. The tribunal wrote in a decision Thursday that Canada admitted to the backlog, but the estimated size of it differs between parties. "There is a backlog of cases and some of them may very well be urgent and this will be established when Canada reviews the email requests in the backlog," the decision says. The tribunal ordered Canada to return to it with a detailed plan, timelines and targets to address the backlog before Dec. 10. Jennifer Kozelj, spokesperson for Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, said in a statement that the department remains focused on ensuring First Nations children can access the services they need, and that they are reviewing the tribunal's decision. "Since 2016, we have invested nearly $8.1 billion to meet the needs of First Nations children through Jordan's Principle, working collaboratively to develop processes and operations to meet the growing volume of requests," she wrote. "Additionally, more than 7.8 million products, services and supports were approved under Jordan’s Principle since 2016." In the decision Thursday, the tribunal also highlighted the need for a "credible and independent national and effective" complaints mechanism for Jordan's Principle. "The Tribunal agrees it would be best to have broad consultations with First Nations for the creation of a permanent independent Indigenous-led complaints mechanism," the decision says. Still, the tribunal wrote that interim complaints mechanisms can be implemented before that formal structure is created. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press