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jili lol646 Groom cancels wedding over delay in serving food, marries cousin(TNS) — St. Peter Middle School students Solomon Baker and Maddie Bur don't have cell phones yet, but they're already thinking about healthy screen time habits. "Nowadays, everybody has a phone and everyone has access to social media, so we should probably know what happens when you're on it too much," Bur said. Gustavus Adolphus College and St. Peter High School students helped spark the conversation even more when they hosted the Digital Wellbeing program for seventh graders Monday. The discussion had both Gusties and high schoolers involved with the Project 4 Teens program talk to the kids about phone usage and other topics, Gustavus student Kelley Brennan said. "One big thing that we wanted to highlight was obviously giving them ideas of what they can do besides looking at their phone. I think sometimes it's hard for them to come up with ideas," she said, naming baking and reading as examples. "Then we went into some small group conversations trying to get them to reflect more on what are the positives, the negatives of their phone use, how that impacts their mental health, their social health, their physical health even just because it is all connected." Brennan said they wanted to get the kids thinking and processing about how phone use really does impact their lives. Gustavus Dean of Students and Digital Wellbeing Coordinator Charlie Potts said the program has been at the college for a number of years, where they would talk to college students about topics such as phone use and social media. The program has been successful so far. "But what we found at the college is that not a lot of our students had intentional or meaningful educational opportunities around it in K-12," Potts said. "We realized that, boy wouldn't it be cool if we got to students earlier. Our students, we do surveys every year, and they're indicating that they were about 11, between 11- and 12-years-old when they got their first smartphones ... but they didn't have those conversations until they were getting to college." Thanks to a grant from the Mankato Clinic Foundation, this is the first year they are introducing the program to younger students. "I think it's such a formative age with sort of setting habits, setting behaviors, and then also it is sort of this crucial time in thinking about mental health, thinking about the way that you're going to treat your body, the way you're going to treat each other and so it just felt like a really opportune time," he said. St. Peter Project 4 Teens Advisor Dani Roehrkasse said the topic of Digital Wellbeing ties in with the program, which exists in schools throughout the region. "Because we talk about consent, we talk about healthy relationships, we talk about just being healthy substance wise, so I think it's just a really good connection," she said. "We're already talking about well-being and being healthy, things to improve every part of your life." St. Peter High School sophomores Lyric Ruble and Jacob Horstmann assisted Project 4 Teens in talking to kids on Monday. Both said the students were engaged in the conversation. "I definitely think it's about developing healthy habits for the kids early on so they can continue those habits as they get into high school and that can hopefully promote their academic well-being," Horstmann said. Ruble added that just starting the conversation is important. "Getting them to kind of talk about it. A lot of them don't think about it on a daily basis. I think just going home and being able to bring these ideas of how they can make healthy choices and manage their digital well-being as they grow up, like Jacob said, starting young I think is really important."Girls basketball: Bulldogs, Wolf Pack, Jaguars set for Lions Club/Tom Hawkins tournament

A couple was killed trying to buy a vintage car in 2015. A man was just sentenced for their deaths.As we enter the holiday season many young people are no doubt beginning to consider their future options. With a range of paths to pursue, a high rate of youth unemployment in Canada and a higher education sector facing unprecedented challenges it may seem logical to wonder if university is worth it. In my role as president of York University I see these issues play out every day in the lives of my students and faculty. However, I can say with certainty that, yes, university is worth it for both students and society. And while you might think that I might be biased, there is real data to back it up. Simply put, going to university enriches both students and society over the long term. We must ensure that students and universities are supported to help ensure as broad access as possible. While many students entering the market fresh out of university will make entry-level wages, the reality is that over the longer term their earning potential has more room to expand . Those with a bachelor’s degree earn 24 per cent more than the national average. The more education, the higher the earning potential. Students with a university degree are more likely to have stable employment even amidst economic disruption, as the COVID-19 pandemic revealed . Graduates are also more likely to gain employment that offers a wider range of benefits. Simply put, an education increases one’s chances of finding fulfilling employment and living a longer and healthier life. Beyond individual benefits, there are also key benefits to society. Canada relies disproportionately on universities compared to other OECD countries to drive the research and innovation central to a productive and prosperous economy . Further research has shown that education is central to a healthy, democratic society To quote Nelson Mandela: “ education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .” The world faces a host of wicked problems ranging from economic inequality to climate change, geopolitical conflict and ongoing wars. Universities and graduates play a key role in addressing these challenges. Technology is not going away and it is not slowing down. A recent study revealed that the jobs of more than 60 per cent of Canadians may be at risk to AI . Moreover, an estimated one out of 10 employees in Canada could be at a high risk of automation-related job redundancy. Canada’s already volatile job market will continue to be impacted. Those with higher levels of education are the best equipped to benefit from technologies in ways that complement the work they do . Graduates are also more likely to have the transferable skills needed to withstand workforce disruption. According to the OECD , AI technologies pose less of a risk for highly-skilled workers. In fact, their jobs are less likely to be replaced by automation because they possess the critical thinking skills needed to provide oversight to tasks that use AI and automation. While these technologies are sophisticated and becoming even more so each day, they currently cannot replicate human cognitive, critical and decision-making skills. There is also compelling research that shows students with higher education are more likely to pursue continuing education to upgrade and reskill, a quality that makes students more agile in a shifting labour market. Universities have also been increasing micro-credentials , programs which help learners re-skill while they are holding employment and balancing familial obligations, to support lifelong learning and build a more resilient Canadian workforce. If Canada is to meet the expanding needs of students and of the country then we must invest now in higher education. Access is something I worry deeply about to ensure that we are not leaving any talent behind. Data from the 2017 National Survey of Engagement indicates that 48 per cent of first- and fourth-year undergrad students at York came from households where neither parent held a bachelor’s degree. What’s more, York’s 2020 Economic and Social Impact Report revealed that 59 per cent of students could not have attended university without financial support. Creating accessible educational opportunities for diverse learners to develop responsive skills is critical for a vibrant future workforce and for resilient communities. York and other universities in Canada have a good track record for this. At the same time, social mobility and productivity have been declining in Canada in recent years . Continuing to ensure that eligible students have access to university education including at the graduate level is imperative to address these trends. The significant numbers of Canadian students leaving the country to study medicine overseas while Canada is facing a significant gap in primary care physicians is just one example . These are troubling trends which Canadian universities are committed to addressing. While the commitment and innovation of universities is evident, the unfortunate truth is that universities across much of Canada have seen a steady decline in real dollar funding for years. In Ontario, recommendations from the government’s blue-ribbon panel strongly advocated for the urgent increase in financial support for universities . To meet the changes in Canada’s labour market, universities have developed new programs to meet the talent needs in areas such as science, technology, engineering and health . We have also worked to enhance access through flexible teaching formats and strengthened international and cross-sector research collaborations to tackle complex societal problems . Universities have also increased supports for students including activities to help them connect with careers and become more entrepreneurial and efficient . In short, universities in Canada are one of the country’s most important assets. If we are to continue delivering the high-quality education for which we are known and serving the needs of the communities who rely on us, especially given fierce global competition for talent, it is essential that we secure a financially sustainable model for universities. Canada’s high youth unemployment has many people anxious about how they will fare in a job market that bears a striking resemblance to the Hunger Games. Expanding employment opportunities is necessary and will require collaboration across all sectors. But the data are clear. A university education will provide our youth with a running start and the ability to adapt as they go. Rhonda Lenton is chair of the Council of Ontario Universities.

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It's the 26th of December, and Walmart has launched a massive after-Christmas clearance sale with deals on everything from blenders to cheap TVs, vacuums, and headphones. You can find the year's lowest price on some of this year's best-selling tech gadgets, appliances, and home items. • As the deals editor for TechRadar, who regularly covers sales at Walmart, I've gone through today's after-Christmas offers and hand-picked the 27 best deals I'd buy with my own money. You can find cheaper prices than on Black Friday from brands like Shark, Apple, Samsung, Ninja, and LG. A few highlights with clearance prices include the best-selling , this , and the . Below, I've listed Walmart's most popular sale categories if you want to jump straight to the site, followed by more of today's top after-Christmas deals. You can also visit our main hub for more of the best offers around the web. Walmart after-Christmas sale - quick links Walmart after-Christmas sale: the 27 best deals

IRVING, Texas , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Caterpillar Inc. CAT voted today to maintain the quarterly dividend of one dollar and forty-one cents ($1.41) per share of common stock, payable Feb. 20, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 21, 2025 . Caterpillar has paid a cash dividend every year since the company was formed and has paid a quarterly dividend since 1933. Caterpillar has paid higher annual dividends to shareholders for 31 consecutive years and is recognized as a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index. About Caterpillar With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion , Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caterpillar-inc-maintains-dividend-302328163.html SOURCE Caterpillar Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.None

Sign up to Simon Calder's free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder's Travel email Get Simon Calder's Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy "BARRY ISLAND? Oh, where you going to have the wedding reception? On the log flumes?" – as Pam put it – has proven to be an unfair assessment of a Welsh seaside town with more to offer than just its Pleasure Park. Once the site of the world's busiest coal port, the non-island on the coast of Cardiff was firmly put on the map by Gavin & Stacey in the noughties. Now, the series is back after five years for one final Christmas Day episode with the Barry and Billericay crew – and fans might be looking to step into the set with a stay in South Wales. Here's what's occurring in Barry Island from Gavin & Stacey backdrops to beaches and beyond. open image in gallery Whitmore Bay is Barry Island's main stretch of sand ( Visit Wales ) Best time to travel for price, weather and crowds Barry is at its best on sunny summer days and once the Christmas festivities kick off in mid-November – although these seasonal events can draw in crowds that will make things busy on the bumper cars. Step into Christmas 2024 with the annual light turn on by Santa on 22 November in King Square. The Christmas market of over 30 traders, live music, funfair rides and street entertainment will carry on selling stocking stuffers until 7pm on Saturday 23 November. What to do Jackson's Bay This golden cove more closely resembles the Costa del Sol than Wales and is arguably the best of the five beaches in "Barrybados". Secluded under the steep cliffs Jackson's Bay is a dream for bathing in summer with a wood burning, barrel sauna – Môr a Sawna – ready to warm up those who brave the frigid waters come winter. Barry Island Pleasure Park open image in gallery Barry Island Pleasure Park has been serving up screams and ice creams... Natalie Wilson

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Vertigo3d UGI Corporation ( NYSE: UGI ) has made a strong upward move in price as of late. While that may be a turn-off for value investors, it is important to put things into a longer-term perspective. In the case of UGI, the stock Read The Full Report on iREIT+Hoya iREIT+HOYA Capital is the premier income-focused investing service on Seeking Alpha. Our focus is on income-producing asset classes that offer the opportunity for sustainable portfolio income , diversification , and inflation hedging . Get started with a Free Two-Week Trial and take a look at our top ideas across our exclusive income-focused portfolios. With a focus on REITs, ETFs, Preferreds, and 'Dividend Champions' across asset classes, members gain complete access to our research and our suite of trackers and portfolios targeting premium dividend yields up to 10%. I am Gen Alpha. I have more than 14 years of investment experience, and an MBA in Finance. I focus on stocks that are more defensive in nature, with a medium- to long-term horizon. I provide high-yield, dividend growth investment ideas in the investing group iREIT®+HOYA Capital . The group helps investors achieve dependable monthly income, portfolio diversification, and inflation hedging. It provides investment research on REITs, ETFs, closed-end funds, preferreds, and dividend champions across asset classes. It offers income-focused portfolios targeting dividend yields up to 10%. Learn more . Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of UGI either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. I am not an investment advisor. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute as financial advice. Readers are encouraged and expected to perform due diligence and draw their own conclusions prior to making any investment decisions. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.NPPA demands newspaper reading be made mandatory in educational institutions

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"HDBs" of coral fragments, or nubbins, each attached to a specially designed frame to maximise the number of corals that can be grown in the tanks. The nubbins of the staghorn coral at St John’s Island coral culture facility on Dec 10. Coral nubbins attached to a specially designed frame in one of the six specialised tanks in the coral culture facility at St John's Island. The tanks will be paired with a smart system that will send data on water quality to researchers. SINGAPORE – The Republic has launched its most ambitious coral-restoration project, growing corals from fragments in “high-rise” special tanks on St John’s Island. Once grown to a healthy size, 100,000 of these corals will be planted on degraded reefs or empty sea spaces to create new reef habitats. The first step of this decade-long effort began at a new facility in the island’s Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre – home to six specialised tanks that can be used for large-scale coral cultivation. The six tanks can hold up to 3,600 coral fragments, or nubbins, at any one time. To date, more than $2 million has been raised for the restoration project. The facility is still in the works and is targeted to fully open in the second quarter of 2025. For now, there are about 600 nubbins growing in two of the tanks. While the initial stages of the project will be helmed by researchers, marine enthusiasts will be later invited to the lab to grow corals and monitor them, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee on Dec 10, as he announced the launch of the initiative on St John’s Island. The National Parks Board (NParks), St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory and the Friends of Marine Park community will train members of the public to cultivate corals, monitor their growth and do weeding work to remove algae from the corals, among other things. More details on public participation will be shared when ready. When the coral-restoration project was announced in 2023, NParks said it would take at least 10 years to complete. Once grown to a healthy size, 100,000 of these corals will be planted on degraded reefs or empty sea spaces to create new reef habitats. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM At the launch, Mr Lee was joined by world-renowned British primate expert Jane Goodall, who was on a working visit to Singapore. Over the decades, about 60 per cent of Singapore’s coral reefs have been lost to coastal development and land reclamation. Most of its remaining intact coral reefs are found in the Southern Islands. The Republic’s waters are home to around 250 species of hard corals, which constitute about a third of the world’s existing coral species. The reefs here serve as habitat for more than 100 species of reef fish, about 200 species of sea sponges, and rare and endangered seahorses and clams, among other marine life. The six tanks can hold up to 3,600 coral fragments, or nubbins, at any one time. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Beyond boosting marine biodiversity, restoring corals will protect coastlines from waves and storms, which are expected to get stronger amid sea-level rise and climate change. The corals to be grown in tanks and planted in the wild include several species under NParks’ species recovery programme, which protects threatened flora and fauna and helps them survive environmental change. These include the branching staghorn coral and the flat table acropora coral. The acropora is not a common species here because it thrives in waters with strong currents and good visibility – conditions that are rarely found in Singapore. The acropora species is not common in local waters. photo: NParks Coral nubbins are fragments trimmed from a colony of adult corals. However, marine biologists usually prioritise loose corals that would otherwise tumble and die when swept by waves. Mr Lee said cultivating corals in specialised tanks is an ambitious undertaking, with conditions such as lighting and temperature as well as water quality and flow needing to be specific to each species. To allow hundreds of coral fragments to grow in each tank, scientists at the St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory are cultivating them on vertical structures, among other methods. Coral nubbins are attached to plugs that are then affixed to a vertical frame. The scientists and NParks staff have named these set-ups “coral HDBs”, said the minister. Small coral nubbins are fragmented from the adult colony. PHOTO: NPARKS Dr Lionel Ng, a research fellow at the NUS Tropical Marine Science Institute who is involved in the coral-restoration work, noted that the survival rate of transplanted corals is about 80 per cent to 90 per cent, which is on a par with the 80 per cent survival rate of corals found in the wild here. The tanks are paired with a smart system that will send data on water quality to researchers. This allows them to monitor tank conditions remotely and be alerted if they need to intervene. The system is a technology of Delta Electronics, a firm that specialises in industrial and building automation solutions. Delta is also one of several donors of the more than $2 million raised so far. The other donors include GSK-EDB Trust Fund, Deutsche Bank, Takashimaya Singapore and marine fuel firm KPI OceanConnect. A smart coral culture aquaculture system set up by Delta Electronics and installed in the culture tanks at St John’s Island’s coral culture facility on Dec 10. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The launch of the restoration effort comes as existing corals are slowly recovering from the largest recorded global bleaching event caused by a marine heatwave. Announced in mid-April by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the global bleaching event was the fourth of its kind. In July, areas such as St John’s, Lazarus and Kusu Islands were found to have 30 per cent to 55 per cent of coral colonies bleached and white. With water temperatures dropping in recent months, bleached corals have started to regain colour, said Mr Lee. NParks and NUS have been monitoring Singapore’s reefs for bleaching since July. The findings will help identify which species are under threat and which ones are climate-resilient, and will also narrow down suitable planting sites for future coral-restoration efforts, said Mr Lee. On whether restored corals will be able to survive future marine heatwaves, Dr Ng pointed to a research project that aims to enhance the ecological resilience of coral reefs against climate change. “Information from that (study) will feed into this. We’ll refine our final strategies to see which species are suitable for which areas. It’s a matter of tweaking what we know of the environment and what we know of the corals to find the best match,” he added. In her address to NParks, scientists and groups involved in the restoration project, Dr Goodall said: “We know that oceans and forests are the two great capturers of carbon dioxide (CO2) on the planet... In the oceans, we have the kelp forests and the seagrass which absorb as much CO2 as a small inland forest. “It’s no good just protecting corals if we don’t protect kelp forests and seagrass, if we don’t protect forests and peatlands. It’s all interconnected.” Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now