In conclusion, the Shanxi Loongs' 106-101 victory over the Beijing Ducks was a thrilling and hard-fought contest that showcased the best of CBA basketball. It was a reminder of the excitement and drama that this league brings, and a testament to the talent and dedication of the players who strive for greatness every time they step onto the court. The stage is set for even more thrilling battles in the weeks and months to come, as the CBA continues to captivate fans and inspire a new generation of basketball enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the central government's directive for a stable property market in 2025 is a significant step towards ensuring the long-term health and growth of the real estate sector. With a focus on supply, speculation control, rental market development, financing accessibility, and regulatory oversight, these measures are designed to strengthen the foundation of the property market and promote sustainable growth in the years to come.NoneHouse Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the House of Representatives of the Philippines LEGAZPI, Albay — Speaker Martin Romualdez has urged “some senators” opposing the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) to talk to the people so that they can understand its significance. “Yes, we heard that some people in the Senate do not understand [Akap’s huge impact] because they rarely engage with the people,” he told journalists in Filipino on the sidelines of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair on Thursday. “That’s why we’re here visiting provinces and attending the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair. Over two dozen provinces have been visited ... We saw that the people here want this program,” he added. READ: House insists on ‘ayuda’ Senate wants to defund Romualdez urged senators to “move around and ask the people what programs they want” so that they would know their sentiments and then asked his audience if they wanted Akap, which means “embrace” in Filipino. “So that I can tell my friends in the Senate that they should stop cutting the budget for Akap, which is really a big help for the people, and it is very popular,” he added. Romualdez made the remarks after the Senate committee on finance recommended the removal of Akap funds from the proposed 2025 national budget, as stated in the Senate’s committee report on House Bill No. 10800, or the House version of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill. The chair of the House’s budget committee, Ako Bicol party list Rep. Elizaldy Co, said they would push for the reinstatement of the P39-billion allocation for Akap during the congressional bicameral conference on the budget. “We can’t allow the administration’s most vital socialized program to disappear,” he said in a statement. “Until these families earn at least P45,000 per person monthly, Akap remains essential.” Co said Akap provides a one-time P5,000 cash aid to near-poor individuals earning P23,000 or less and it is the government’s most vital amelioration program. “Our people need Akap now more than ever. We will not allow this essential program to be dismantled without a fight,” he added. Other lawmakers, including Ako Bicol party list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, said they were open to criticism, but it should be constructive. “I would suggest and I would appreciate it if the criticism would help the government on how to improve the program. Because for me, personally, I visit our region, our province, and I see that the program helps people,” Bongalon said in a separate interview. “If there is a move to criticize the program, maybe we should criticize in the sense that we should improve the program, not to the point that it will be totally removed, because our people will suffer,” Bongalon added. “What we’re doing is we’re just giving back the rightful share of these individuals, who are also paying taxes,” he said. Much controversy has surrounded Akap since House leaders conceptualized it for the 2024 national budget. Sen. Imee Marcos, Romualdez’s cousin, claimed that the P26.7-billion insertion for Akap has “defunded billions of pesos in pensions for retired military and uniformed personnel as well as government workers.” But Marcos later said she was unaware whether funds were diverted to Akap. At the same time, House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said Marcos was one of the senators who signed the page containing the Akap provisions in the 2024 General Appropriations Budget’s committee report. Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said he thought of the Akap when he was still secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Tulfo said he had observed that middle-class workers are often neglected or left behind in most government aid programs because the government has been focused on implementing measures to help the poor.

Commentary: Disney must add a new theme park to maintain market dominanceThe upcoming January transfer window could provide the first opportunity for clubs to make their move for Rashford. Manchester United are said to be open to receiving offers for the forward during this window, with a view to completing a potential sale by next summer at the latest. The coming months promise to be pivotal in determining Rashford's future and where he will be plying his trade in the seasons to come.

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans police arrested on Friday a man accused of killing two people during a large parade where two separate shootings within an hour left two dead and at least 10 wounded. Curtis Gray, 19, faces two counts of second-degree murder tied to the Nov. 17 shootings along a crowded parade route, according to a news release from the New Orleans Police Department. Gray allegedly fatally shot Rasean Carter, 21, and Malachi Jackson, 19, at the Almonaster Avenue Bridge, authorities say. Carter, an aspiring photographer who lived in Marrero just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, had planned to document the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club's annual outing and was accompanied by Jackson, his friend and uncle, Nola.com reported. The parade was part of New Orleans' long-running tradition of “second-lines” where revelers follow brass bands marching through the streets and has deep ties to the city's Black culture. The deaths of Carter and Jackson were among a series of recent lethal shootings in New Orleans. While most violence has been on the decline in the city since mid-2023 , there were three people killed and eight wounded in six shootings over the past weekend according to Nola.com . On Thursday, New Orleans police arrested two men, Darrell Fairley Jr., 18, and Cornelius G. Tillman, 19, in connection with a Nov. 30 double homicide in New Orleans East.

In conclusion, the custom XSX console and controller set for "The Way of the Miko: Guardian Sister" is a must-have for fans of the game and collectors alike. It not only elevates the gaming experience to a new level of artistry and craftsmanship but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of sisterhood and the indomitable spirit of those who fight to protect what they hold dear. Embrace the way of the miko and join the Guardian Sister on her epic quest to vanquish evil and restore peace to the land.

Magical thinking or motivation?Industry experts have expressed optimism about Xiaomi's entry into the automotive sector, citing the company's track record of innovation and success in other product categories. The YU7 SUV is expected to appeal to tech-savvy consumers who value performance, style, and affordability in their vehicles.

MG won't cede the titles of Australia's favourite small SUV, light carPunjab bandh begins over farmers' protest: Roads blocked, trains cancelled, buses off roadsLooking ahead, the continued growth of dividend ETFs is expected to be driven by the ongoing demand for income-generating investments in a low-interest-rate environment. As investors seek ways to enhance their portfolios with assets that can provide both income and growth potential, dividend ETFs are likely to remain a preferred choice due to their unique combination of diversification, transparency, and cost-efficiency.

Eli Lilly LLY has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 15.66% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 27.25%. Currently, Eli Lilly has a market capitalization of $742.84 billion. Buying $100 In LLY: If an investor had bought $100 of LLY stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $1,129.58 today based on a price of $782.50 for LLY at the time of writing. Eli Lilly's Performance Over Last 10 Years Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.I Brought You Back to Life, Wike Tells Odili

Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systems

Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Hisense Group is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and respect for our workforce. We value the dedication and contributions of each employee and are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for all.In a landmark development, Syrian Prime Minister has agreed to transfer power to the opposition, marking a major step towards resolving the long-standing conflict in the war-torn country. The decision came after extensive negotiations and deliberations between the government and opposition forces, with the aim of fostering a peaceful transition of power and ensuring the continuity of essential services for the Syrian people.

Community business leaders gathered to network and learn at Hometrust Bank on Evans Avenue on Wednesday for a Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast. Hometrust Bank County Executive Jessica Rich said the year has gone well for the bank, but the Asheville, North Carolina based institution was greatly affected by Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region. “Many of the communities that we serve, especially in North Carolina, were impacted by Helene and over the past few months we have seen some some inspiring dedication from our employees,” Rich said. “While the storm has forced many of our businesses to close including some of our branches, we continue to serve our customers. “It was kind of a challenge at times... ...It took our HR department about a week and a half to find most of our folks to make sure they were okay (since telephones and roads were down). We’re pleased that everybody was found and everybody was good.” Rich said Hometrust was able to persevere by holding to high standards and continuing their pursuit of quality. She said the bank’s efforts had been recognized several times in the past year. Their accolades for 2024 include status as a “certified best place to work,” a ranking of 156 in Newsweek Magazine’s Most Loved Workplace list, recognition by American Banker as one of the Best Banks to Work For, rankings in a top community banking list by S&P Global market Intelligence and placement in the Top 100 Forbes 15th Annual Best Banks List. “We’ve had a lot of recognition this year we’re excited about that,” Rich said. “We’re very proud to be a part of this prestigious group of people and we were all able to do this as a result of operating in a higher interest rate environment as well as dealing with the hurricane.” Hometrust and Covenant Health sponsored the breakfast, which was catered by Jersey Girl Catering After Rich spoke to the gathered Chamber members, Morristown-Hamblen Health System President Gordon Lintz spoke about developments at Hamblen County’s hospital. “We have something new that we piloted at Morristown-Hamblen West and we now offer at our main hospital, and that is our Emergency Call Ahead service,” Lintz reported. “So we have a number, 423-492-6906, that you can call. You call that number and you can find out the wait times at the main ER as well as the West ER. You can put your name on a list and either come in or you can wait at home and we’ll call you back when it’s about your time. We’ve done what I call a ‘soft opening’ with that concept and it’s going very, very well.” The program is designed for non-emergency patients experiencing events like simple lacerations, flu symptoms or strains/sprains. It is not intended to replace a call to 911 for anyone who thinks they are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency. Lintz then spoke about the hospital’s intensivist service. The hospital’s intensivists are “board certified fellowship trained ICU physicians that are staffing our ICU along with our hospitalist program.” The intensivists have provided benefits to critical care patients at the hospital. MHHS will see a new program in 2025 called “Hospital at Home.” Lintz said the program is currently being piloted at two of Covenant Health’s hospitals in Knoxville. “With our technology today we can do a lot of things very differently and a lot more care we can provide in the home,” he said. Lintz went on to describe various happenings at the hospital including expansion of robotic surgery options, an additional CT scanner, two new retinal physicians, a new general surgeon and a renovation project that will add 12 beds to the hospital. He finished his remarks by telling the crowd that discussions about the next step at the Morristown-Hamblen West location has begun. “We’re going through a planning process to look at what will come next at Morristown-Hamblen West. And although Santa is not delivering an answer this year, as soon as I hear, I will certainly let you know.”BENGUELA, Angola — President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that the United States would spend more than $560 million on projects connected to the Lobito Corridor, a trans-African railway that will help get vital minerals and other goods to a port where they can be shipped to the United States and other destinations.Furthermore, the government will work towards strengthening the evaluation and assessment mechanisms for teachers. By implementing fair and transparent performance appraisal systems, teachers will be recognized and rewarded based on their contributions to student learning and school development. This will not only motivate teachers to continue striving for excellence but also create a culture of accountability and professionalism within the education sector.