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nn777 facebook Share Tweet Share Share Email Financial empowerment remains a critical challenge for many communities. Traditional banking systems often exclude those in low-income brackets, leaving them without access to basic savings and credit services. However, a grassroots solution has emerged to address this gap: social micro-savings groups. These community-based initiatives bring people together to collectively save money and work toward shared financial goals, proving that unity can drive transformative change . Understanding Social Micro-Savings Groups Social micro-savings groups are informal collectives where members pool their savings. These groups are typically composed of individuals from similar socioeconomic backgrounds, often within the same community. Members contribute small amounts of money regularly, creating a shared fund. This pool of resources can be used to provide loans, support emergencies, or invest in shared projects. Unlike formal financial institutions, these groups operate on mutual trust and transparency. They have minimal overhead costs, making them accessible to people who might otherwise be excluded from traditional banking systems. Additionally, they foster a sense of ownership and accountability, as each member has a direct stake in the group’s success. Core Principles of Micro-Savings Groups Collective Responsibility: Each member contributes to and benefits from the group’s resources. This shared accountability ensures the system remains functional. Transparency: Regular meetings and clear documentation maintain trust among members. Flexibility: Contributions are tailored to suit the financial capabilities of members. Inclusivity: Groups often prioritize marginalized individuals, including women and rural populations. Benefits of Micro-Savings Groups Financial Inclusion For many individuals, access to formal banking services is a distant dream due to high fees, stringent requirements, or geographic barriers. Micro-savings groups bridge this gap by providing a simple, accessible platform for saving money and accessing credit. Members can build financial resilience without navigating the complexities of traditional banking. Empowerment Through Community Being part of a micro-savings group fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Members often share knowledge, skills, and resources, creating a supportive network. This collective strength enables individuals to pursue financial goals they might not achieve alone. Encouraging Savings Habits Saving money can be challenging, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck. Micro-savings groups instill discipline by requiring regular contributions. Over time, members develop a habit of saving, which can lead to greater financial stability. Access to Credit In emergencies or for investment purposes, accessing loans can be crucial. Micro-savings groups offer an alternative to predatory lenders by providing low-interest loans from the shared fund. This system ensures that financial assistance remains affordable and within the community. How Micro-Savings Groups Operate Formation and Membership Groups usually form organically, with members coming together based on mutual trust. Ideal group sizes range from 10 to 25 members, ensuring manageability while fostering a sense of community. Once formed, members establish rules, including contribution amounts, meeting schedules, and loan terms. Contribution and Savings Members contribute fixed amounts at regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly. These contributions are recorded meticulously to ensure transparency. The accumulated savings create a fund that members can borrow from as needed. Loan Disbursement and Repayment Loans are granted based on group consensus, with clear repayment terms and minimal interest rates. Members are motivated to repay loans promptly, as the fund’s sustainability depends on it. Default rates are typically low due to the high level of trust within the group. Profit Sharing At the end of a savings cycle, often a year, the group distributes the accumulated savings and any profits from loan interest among members. This payout serves as a tangible reward for collective effort and financial discipline. The Role of Women in Micro-Savings Groups Women play a pivotal role in the success of micro-savings groups. In many communities, they are the primary caretakers and financial planners. By participating in these groups, women gain access to resources that can improve their families’ well-being. Micro-savings groups also provide a platform for women to develop leadership skills. As treasurers, secretaries, or chairpersons, they gain experience in financial management and decision-making. This empowerment extends beyond the group, enabling women to take on more active roles in their communities. Challenges and Solutions Lack of Financial Literacy Many participants may have limited knowledge of financial management, which can hinder the group’s effectiveness. Regular training sessions on budgeting, saving, and record-keeping can address this issue. Trust Issues Trust is the foundation of micro-savings groups. Any breach, such as mismanagement of funds, can jeopardize the group’s stability. To prevent this, members should establish clear rules and accountability mechanisms. Limited Funds The small contributions of members may not always meet the group’s financial needs. Partnering with NGOs or local governments can provide additional resources and support. Examples of Successful Micro-Savings Initiatives Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) VSLAs are a popular model of micro-savings groups, particularly in Africa. These groups have helped thousands of rural families access financial services, invest in businesses, and improve their quality of life. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India SHGs empower women in rural areas by providing them with access to savings and credit. These groups have significantly contributed to poverty reduction and women’s empowerment. Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) ROSCAs operate on a rotating basis, where each member receives the entire savings pool at a predetermined time. This system is simple yet effective in addressing immediate financial needs. The Future of Micro-Savings Groups As technology advances, micro-savings groups are evolving. Digital platforms and mobile banking are making it easier for groups to manage their funds and expand their reach. Apps designed specifically for savings groups can facilitate record-keeping, enhance transparency, and connect members with additional financial services. Moreover, partnerships with microfinance institutions and NGOs can amplify the impact of these groups, providing them with access to training, funding, and resources. By leveraging technology and collaboration, micro-savings groups can continue to thrive and empower more communities. Conclusion Social micro-savings groups are a testament to the power of collective effort. By pooling resources and working together, individuals can overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams. These groups not only provide practical financial solutions but also foster a sense of community and empowerment. As they continue to grow and evolve, micro-savings groups have the potential to transform countless lives, proving that unity truly is strength . Related Items: Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments

AP Business SummaryBrief at 5:02 p.m. ESTZVRA stock touches 52-week high at $9.6 amid robust growth( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) A retired army First Sergeant finds new purpose as a successful Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchisee. Tucson, AZ, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After dedicating 25 years to military service and retiring as a First Sergeant in 2015, Darryl Weaver transitioned seamlessly into entrepreneurship. Just days after his retirement, Weaver and his wife, Laura, opened a Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchise in Tucson, Arizona . Since then, the couple has built a thriving business, combining Darryl's military leadership experience with their shared passion for delivering authentic barbecue and exceptional service. “I wanted to be my own boss and create something meaningful after my military career,” said Weaver.“Dickey's provided the structure, support, and proven systems to set me up for success. It was the ideal opportunity to channel the leadership skills I gained in the Army into a new venture.” Weaver chose Dickey's Barbecue Pit for its established franchise model and the opportunity to fill a gap in his local market.“When we opened, there wasn't any barbecue on this side of Tucson, and today, we're still the only barbecue option in the area,” he said.“It was the right concept at the right time.” Over nearly a decade, Weaver has embraced the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, including the surge in online ordering and third-party delivery services, which now account for nearly half of his sales. His ability to adapt stems from his military background, where adaptability and strong leadership were critical. “Darryl's story is a testament to how military service builds exceptional leaders,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. , CEO of Dickey's Capital Group.“His leadership, commitment, and ability to inspire his team are evident in his success, and we're honored to have him as part of the Dickey's family.” Weaver's approach to leadership extends beyond operations to mentorship. A former high school employee who left for other opportunities has since returned to the business and is now training to become general manager. “Leadership is about building people up,” said Weaver.“You have to trust your team and guide them, but also verify to ensure everything runs smoothly. That's the approach that has worked for us.” Laura Weaver plays an active role in the day-to-day management of their franchise, working alongside Darryl on catering deliveries, inventory management, and staff support. Their partnership has been instrumental in their success. “Darryl and Laura exemplify the best of Dickey's franchisees-dedicated, community-driven, and passionate about what they do,” said Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.“Their commitment to their guests and their team sets a standard that inspires others in our system.” Nearly 10 years after opening their first Dickey's location, the Weavers remain focused on providing exceptional guest experiences and empowering their team.“I'm incredibly proud of what we've built,” said Weaver.“It's about more than running a business-it's about making a positive impact in our community and creating opportunities for others.” About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts-because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's“Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit . Attachment MENAFN23122024004107003653ID1109025500 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Dangal Clocks 8 Years: Aparshakti Khurana Shares Priceless Throwback Pic Ft Fatima, Sanya, Zaira

Clara Strack, Georgia Amoore help No. 16 Kentucky rout Western KentuckyVANCOUVER, B.C. — Rivalries in sports are built on a foundation of contempt. Proximity helps, as does frequency. But ultimately creating the kind of passionate conflicts that start with players and coaches and trickle down through a fan base starts with playing meaningful games with something on the line. Someday, that’ll happen for the Kraken and the team that’s tailor made to be their rival, the Canucks. At least, that’s the hope when two teams in the same region are separated by just a couple of hours and the border. Maybe what happened Saturday will be looked back upon as a moment that helped the rivalry spark, when the home team watched a three-goal lead disappear in the final 5 minutes of regulation, gave up a breakaway game-winner in overtime and left Rogers Arena echoing with faint chants of "Let's Go Kraken." "That's the fun part about hockey is every game is different and you never know what's going to happen," said Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz. "But it's good to have the belief you can still come back and win games." The Kraken snapped their five-game losing streak with a 5-4 overtime win over the Canucks on Saturday that showed a different level of resolve from a team that was desperate for something to go their way. Along the way, the Kraken made NHL history, becoming only the third team in a regular-season game to win by rallying from a three-goal deficit inside the final 5 minutes. The only other teams: San Jose earlier this season against Utah and Montreal in 2014 against Ottawa. "I think we're searching for it. I think at different times in the year we've had the mindset of staying with it for 60 minutes, coming back in hockey games and we've done that a handful of other times," Seattle coach Dan Bylsma said. "But at this point in time, after the break, after the (five) losses coming into this break it was a huge test for the team to get down in this game ... Guys stayed with it, guys dug deep as a group and the confidence the result should give us as a team." The Kraken rally came off the sticks of Schwartz and Vince Dunn, who combined for all four goals that spanned just 7 minutes of ice time. Schwartz got it started banking a shot past Thatcher Demko from the goal line with 4:45 left to pull within 4-2. That gave Bylsma the impetus to pull Philipp Grubauer and create a 6-on-5 advantage for Seattle. That move paid off when Dunn collected a turnover and beat Demko with 1:12 remaining. "I think they definitely felt the pressure when we just kept coming after them wave after wave, line after line," Dunn said. "There wasn't necessarily any systematic things that we changed at all. It was just finally committing to each other and playing the right way." Schwartz ensured the Kraken would get a point when he deftly controlled a rebound with his skate and beat Demko with 48 seconds left to tie the game at 4-4. It was also his 500th career NHL point. "We were a bit frustrated just with our execution and stuff, but we wanted to give ourselves a chance to at least pull the goalie and make it a one- or two-goal game and then you have your opportunity," Schwartz said. The game-winner came from Dunn, 2:15 into the extra session on a breakaway. A turnover by Vancouver left Dunn all alone with Chandler Stephenson trailing behind. Dunn went to the same spot he beat Demko in regulation and the ensuing celebration just so happened to end up right on the Canucks logo at center ice. "Honestly, it was kind of a blackout. I don't think I've ever had a breakaway in my life. I saw Chandler behind me and I'm like, 'Maybe this will be a little easier, maybe I'll just drop it to him,'" Dunn said. "But then he said, 'It's all you,' so then the pressure was on me." It may not be the kind of game and result that lights a fire under what's been an underwhelming rivalry between to the two neighbors to date. That will come when the day arrives that they are meeting in the Stanley Cup playoffs or at the very least fighting for a postseason spot. But it's a little something at a time the Kraken desperately needed a result to go their way. The Kraken (16-19-2) pulled within eight points of the Canucks in the Western Conference standings where Vancouver holds one of the two wild-card playoff spots. For most of the afternoon, the gulf in the standings seemed to show on the ice. At times, the Kraken were too passive and too disorganized defensively and led to easy opportunities for Vancouver. Brock Boeser scored twice and Jake DeBrusk scored early in the third period to give the Canucks a 4-1 lead. At that point, it seemed Vancouver would dictate whatever the final score would be. Dakota Joshua had a goal disallowed almost immediately after DeBrusk scored. It was the break the Kraken needed in order to put together the wild rally at the end. "It was just a crazy game. First game out of Christmas, the execution wasn't great for both teams and everyone was probably a little bit in shock," Schwartz said. "It happened so fast, there's a lot goals in a short amount of time. I think it was a lot of emotions but we're happy with the two points." Notes: — The Kraken played without goalie Joey Daccord (bumps and bruises) and Andre Burakovsky (illness), although Bylsma is optimistic both may be available to play Monday at home against Utah. — Matty Beniers scored his first goal since Nov. 14 early in the second period. His shot tipped off the glove of Demko and trickled into the net, snapped a 19-game streak without a goal. "Just get pucks to the net and things like that happen," he said. — Grubauer made 17 saves getting the start but three of the goals seemed to come off defensive breakdowns and the other on the power play.

For the fifth time in program history, the Huskies are headed to El Paso, Texas. Washington hasn’t played in the Sun Bowl since 2002. It hasn’t won the game since 1979 during UW’s first appearance. But there are still some moments worth remembering. Greg Grimes’ goal-line stand. Damon Huard’s final outing. UW's chaotic 2002 showing, just to name a few. So here’s a look back at UW’s past four appearances in the Sun Bowl, the second-oldest bowl game in college football: UW’s first trip to the Sun Bowl turned out to be its best to date. The Huskies, led by coach Don James, set the defensive tone early. Texas started the game with a long drive into Washington territory, but Grimes brought down Longhorn quarterback Donnie Little on fourth-and-goal from the UW 1-yard line to keep the game scoreless. The Husky defense wasn’t done putting pressure on the Longhorns. Near the end of the first quarter, Texas second-string quarterback Rick McIvor fumbled in his own territory. UW defensive tackle Stafford Mays recovered, setting up an 18-yard touchdown pass by Washington quarterback Tom Flick to receiver Paul Skansi. Texas fumbled again on its next drive, and Grimes scooped up the loose ball on the Longhorn 23-yard line. Running back Willie Ray Mackey, the only Texan on UW’s roster, rumbled in from four yards out to give Washington a 14-0 lead. The Longhorns got a touchdown back before halftime, after a Flick fumble resulted in a five-yard touchdown pass by Little to Brad Beck. But high winds — up to 28 miles per hour — stifled both offenses in the second half. Neither team scored after the break, though a sack by Mays helped push Texas out of field goal range near the UW 32-yard line. The gusts also knocked a camera into the 33,412-person crowd, injuring three people. Skansi, who had five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown, was the game’s MVP. UW defensive tackle Doug Martin added 10 tackles and a fumble recovery and was selected as the most valuable lineman. Washington and James’ second trip to the Sun Bowl ended in less celebration than the first. The Huskies entered halftime trailing 7-6. Alabama’s only offense through the first half was a 64-yard Bobby Humphrey rushing touchdown in the second quarter, and UW’s Jeff Jaeger made two field goals to keep the Huskies in the game. But UW’s offense, which entered the game ranked fifth in the nation averaging 33.8 points per game, failed to gain any traction after the break against an Alabama defense led by linebacker Cornelius Bennett, a unanimous All-American that season. The Huskies also fumbled four times, which remains a program record for most fumbles in a bowl game. Humphrey, meanwhile, carried the Alabama offense. He caught an 18-yard touchdown from Crimson Tide quarterback Mike Shula, and scored again on a three-yard sweep for his third touchdown of the game to secure Alabama’s win in the fourth quarter. Humphrey finished the game with 158 yards on 29 attempts and 202 all-purpose yards in front of the 48,722 fans in attendance. Bennett was the game’s MVP with 11 tackles and a sack, while UW defensive tackle Steve Alvord was the most valuable lineman. The Huskies made their third trip to El Paso in 1995, this time guided by Jim Lambright for a rematch of the 1982 and 1991 Rose Bowl games — both UW wins. A dismal first half for the Huskies, however, effectively ended the 1995 Sun Bowl by halftime. UW muffed a punt after Iowa’s opening drive stalled out, and then surrendered a 58-yard rushing touchdown to Hawkeye running back Sedrick Shaw. Iowa scored 21 unanswered points before the break, and led 38-6 early in the fourth quarter. Shaw and fellow running back Tavian Banks combined for 257 rushing yards, while fullback Michael Burger rushed for two touchdowns. Iowa’s five field goals set a Sun Bowl record. It was also the final game of Damon Huard’s storied career under center for the Huskies. He was 14-for-26 passing for 194 yards and threw fourth-quarter touchdowns to Fred Coleman and Ernie Conwell in front of the 49,116 fans in attendance. Shaw, who rushed for 135 yards on 21 carries, was the game’s MVP. Iowa defensive tackle Jared DeVries was the game’s most valuable lineman, and Hawkeye kicker Brion Hurley was the game’s most valuable specialist after making three field goals, all from 47 yards or farther. Washington’s most recent trip to the Sun Bowl came in 2002 against Purdue, a rematch of the 2001 Rose Bowl which UW won 34-24. The Huskies, now led by Rick Neuheisel, entered the game on a three-game winning streak. Their momentum seemed to continue in the Sun Bowl, taking a quick 17-0 lead in front of the 48,917-person crowd. However, Purdue responded with 34 unanswered points while Washington was shut out during the second and third quarters. A late Cody Pickett touchdown pass to Patrick Reddick made it 34-24. UW committed 13 penalties for 118 yards, both Sun Bowl records at the time, and fumbled four times — tying the program record set against Alabama in the 1986 Sun Bowl. Two of UW’s fumbles resulted in Purdue defensive touchdowns. Boilermaker quarterback Kyle Orton was the game’s MVP after passing for 283 yards and two touchdowns, while Purdue edge rusher Shaun Phillips was the most valuable lineman. Pickett was 25-for-54 passing for 272 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. His 54 pass attempts is a UW program record for a bowl game. Additionally 11 different Huskies caught a pass, which remains a Sun Bowl record.4th Test, Day 4 Live: Jaiswal Blunder Grants Khawaja Early Lifeline

Lorenz scores 20, Wofford downs Kentucky Christian 100-55

Google introduces AI agent that aces 15-day weather forecastsMARBLEHEAD - A school committee member from Beverly has spoken out against her colleagues after Beverly and Marblehead committees said they are not closer to a deal. School committee member speaks out Kimberley Coelho from Beverly's school committee spoke out against her colleagues on social media on Saturday. She says that what she has seen from her fellow committee members is "disgusting" and forced her to speak publicly. "What is abundantly clear is some [committee members] do not want to settle a contract. Instead, feel more concerned about breaking the union's spirits and dividing our community. I feel the legal advice of our counsel is wrong and only delays reopening schools. With all of this nonsense, what kind of school community will remain?" Coelho is a mother of two students in the Beverly Public School system. She said that she ran for the committee to advocate for students, parents, and educators and to make sure that Beverly was "one of the best districts in the Commonwealth." "I encourage my fellow elected leaders in Beverly to stand up to this madness and implore the Mayor to settle a fair contract with the BTA this weekend. Please let us get our children back to school, our educators back to work, and our families and communities on the path of restoration and healing," Coelho said on Facebook. "It's weird not having school" Standing in the freezing rain Saturday, Marblehead teachers rallied for a 12th day and showed their support for their students for the annual Powder Puff football game. "I miss my students a lot, that's why we are here to support our powder puff girls that just went to go play football," said Marblehead special education teacher Laura Weiss. "We want to be here for them. We want to be back at school with them." The Gloucester School Committee said Friday it reached a tentative agreement with the union on a new contract and students and teachers will be back in class on Monday. But teachers are still on strike in both Beverly and Marblehead. "It's weird not having school," said Drew DePhillips, a junior at Marblehead High School. "You're so used to that routine and waking up, and going, seeing your teachers, seeing their faces. It's just sad to see what they're going through." Marblehead School Committee leaders maintain the union's asks are still unaffordable. "It's really really simple. We are asking for fair and equitable wages, a modern family leave, and safe schools," said teacher Connor Ryan. "The mood is high. Everyone is resolute. We are out here until we get a fair contract." Governor Maura Healey on teachers strikes Governor Maura Healey released a statement about the ongoing strikes in Marblehead and Beverly. She said that she had spoken to everyone involved and thinks an agreement will be reached this weekend. "If they don't reach that agreement, they should ensure that students can return to the classroom on Monday while these negotiations continue," Healey said in a statement. "It is unacceptable that students have been out of school for over two weeks. It's hurting our young people, parents and families above all else. Students need to be back in school on Monday." She said that negotiations must continue during the weekend and that she would be requesting updates from the districts. "Our young people need to be back in school," Healey said. Negotiations still unresolved In Beverly, the school committee began its 16th day of mediation. The primary sticking points are salaries, paid parental leave, family sick leave, and increasing pay for paraprofessionals. The Beverly School Committee said if a deal is not reached by Sunday at 6 p.m., they will be forced to begin a state-led fact-finding process which could take months to resolve. "Throughout this process, we have attempted to balance what our educators have requested with what is possible both for the financial health of our City and what the district needs to be able to successfully educate our students," said the Beverly School Committee in a statement. "So Gloucester, I am so happy that our union siblings over there were able to settle a contract fair and just," said Beverly teacher Kris Melanson. "I know that that can happen here and I know that can happen in Marblehead too. It's time for a school committee to stop playing games, start getting to the table, and let's resolve this thing." School leaders in both communities have said students will potentially have to make up missed days of school during February and April vacations. Paul Burton is a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV News.None

Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative premier names new 21-member cabinetHanukkah, Judaism's eight-day Festival of Lights, begins this year on Christmas Day, which has only happened four times since 1900. For some rabbis, the intersection of the two religious holidays provides an auspicious occasion for interfaith engagement. "This can be a profound opportunity for learning and collaboration and togetherness," said Rabbi Josh Stanton, a vice president of the Jewish Federations of North America. He oversees interfaith initiatives involving the 146 local and regional Jewish federations that his organization represents. "The goal is not proselytizing; it's learning deeply from each other," he said. "It's others seeing you as you see yourself." One example of togetherness: a Chicanukah party hosted Thursday evening by several Jewish organizations in Houston, bringing together members of the city's Latino and Jewish communities for a "cross cultural holiday celebration." The venue: Houston's Holocaust museum. The food on offer was a blend of the two cultures — for example a latke bar featuring guacamole, chili con queso and pico de gallo, as well as applesauce and sour cream. The doughnut-like pastries were sufganiyot — a Hanukkah specialty — and buñuelos, And the mariachi band took a crack at playing the Jewish folk song "Hava Nagila." "What really brings us together is our shared values — our faith, our families, our heritage," said Erica Winsor, public affairs officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Rabbi Peter Tarlow, executive director of the Houston-based Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, said the first Chicanukah event 12 years ago drew 20 people, while this year the crowd numbered about 300, and could have been larger had not attendance been capped. He said the party-goers were a roughly even mix of Latinos — some of them Jews with Latin American origins — and "Anglo" Jews. "There's too much hate, too much separation against both Jews and Latinos," Tarlow said. "This is a way we can come together and show we support each other." While Hanukkah is intended as an upbeat, celebratory holiday, rabbis note that it's taking place this year amid continuing conflicts involving Israeli forces in the Middle East, and apprehension over widespread incidents of antisemitism. Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, acknowledged that many Jews may be feeling anxious heading into Hanukkah this year. But he voiced confidence that most would maintain the key tradition: the lighting of candles on menorah candelabras and displaying where they're visible through household windows and in public spaces. "The posture of our community — without stridency, just with determination — is that the menorah should be in our windows, in a place where the public sees it," Hauer said. "It is less for us, the Jewish community, than for the world," he added. "We have to share that light. Putting the menorah in the window is our expression of working to be a light among the nations." Hauer concurred with Stanton that this year's overlap of Hanukkah and Christmas is "an exceptional opportunity to see and experience the diversity of America and the diversity of its communities of faith." Rabbi Motti Seligson, public relations director for the Hasidic movement Chabad-Lubavitch, noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of a milestone in the public lightings of menorahs. It was on Dec. 8, 1974 — as part of an initiative launched by the Lubavitcher leader, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson — that a menorah was lit outside Philadelphia's Independence Hall, where the Liberty Bell was housed at the time. "Hanukkah is a celebration of religious liberty, so that it's not taken for granted," Seligson said. "One of the ways of doing that is by celebrating it publicly." He said Chabad was organizing about 15,000 public menorah lightings this year through its numerous branches around the world. "There certainly is some apprehension," Seligson said, referring to concerns about antisemitism and political friction. "Some people question whether Jews will be celebrating as openly as in the past." "What I'm hearing is there's no way that we can't," he added. "The only way through these difficult times is by standing stronger and prouder and shining brighter than ever." Stanton concurred. "Through our history, we've been through moments that are easy and moments that are hard," he said. "Safety for us does not come from hiding. It comes from reaching out." Why is Hanukkah so late this year? The simple answer is that the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, and is not in sync with the Gregorian calendar which sets Christmas on Dec. 25. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, a date which occurs between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar. The last time Hanukkah began on Christmas Day was in 2005. But the term "Chrismukkah" — signifying the overlap of the two holidays — had become a popular term before then. The term gained extra currency in 2003, when the character Seth Cohen on the TV drama "The O.C." embraced the fusion holiday as a tribute to his Jewish father and Protestant mother. This season, the Hallmark Channel introduced a new Christmas movie called "Leah's Perfect Gift," depicting a young Jewish woman who had admired Christmas from a distance, and gets a chance to experience it up close when her boyfriend invites her to spend the holidays with his family. Spoiler alert: All does not go smoothly. Despite such storylines suggesting a fascination with Christmas among some Jews, Stanton says research by the Jewish Federations reveals a surge in Jews seeking deeper connections to their own traditions and community, as well as a surge in Jews volunteering for charitable activities during the holidays. "The opportunity is to share with others how we celebrate Hanukkah," he said. "It's a holiday of freedom, hope, showing proudly you are Jewish." ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.

Brits will watch FIVE hours of telly a day over Christmas and ‘lie’ to loved ones to avoid socialising for a boxset

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 28, 2024-- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the sale of EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE: ENLC) to ONEOK, Inc. for 0.1412 shares of ONEOK common stock for each common unit of EnLink is fair to EnLink shareholders. Halper Sadeh encourages EnLink shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . The investigation concerns whether EnLink and its board of directors violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for EnLink shareholders; (2) determine whether ONEOK is underpaying for EnLink; and (3) disclose all material information necessary for EnLink shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of EnLink shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228619220/en/ CONTACT: Halper Sadeh LLC One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: Halper Sadeh LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/28/2024 02:39 PM/DISC: 12/28/2024 02:38 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228619220/enBy ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.Spain hits budget airlines with £150m fine

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A former publicist for actor Justin Baldoni alleges that his current publicity team conspired to harm her and steal her clients, in conjunction with their efforts to allegedly launch a “smear campaign” against his “It Ends With Us” co-star, Blake Lively. In a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court on Tuesday, Stephanie Jones and her agency Jonesworks accuse Baldoni’s publicist Jennifer Abel of breach of contract, claiming she violated her employment terms by setting up a competing firm and stealing documents and clients out from under Jones. It also accuses Abel of defamation, according to a copy of the suit . Jones’ suit, which was first reported by The New York Times, comes days after a separate complaint filed by Lively with the California Civil Rights Department against some of the same defendants, alleging Baldoni sexually harassed her on set and then engaged in a retaliatory campaign facilitated by Abel and crisis communications representative Melissa Nathan. Nathan is also named as a defendant in Jones’ complaint, along with Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios. Lively’s allegations have sent shock waves across the industry. Her complaint has also put the role that crisis PR firms play in the spotlight, with many online reexamining some of the negative headlines surrounding Lively during the promotional tour for “It Ends With Us.” Jones represented Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios from 2017 to August of this year. Abel worked for Jonesworks from 2020 to August. Several of Abel’s text messages and emails, which the suit said were obtained via a subpoena of Jonesworks, were cited heavily in Lively’s complaint. The film “It Ends With Us,” an adaptation of the popular Colleen Hoover novel, was released in theaters in August. Lively portrays heroine Lily Bloom, while Baldoni plays her abusive romantic partner, Ryle Kincaid. Baldoni also adapted and directed the project. According to Jones’ suit, in August Baldoni “began to fear that the increased attention being paid to him and the Film would cause reports of allegations about his on-set misbehavior to come out.” Nathan and Abel subsequently began “to formulate a no-holds-barred strategy to discredit and suppress any potential revelations about Baldoni’s on-set behavior” without Jones’ knowledge or approval, the suit alleges. “Behind Jones’s back, they secretly coordinated with Baldoni and Wayfarer to implement an aggressive media smear campaign against Baldoni’s film co-star, and then used the crisis as an opportunity to drive a wedge between Jones and Baldoni, and to publicly pin blame for this smear campaign on Jones — when Jones had no knowledge or involvement in it,” the lawsuit states. Abel and Nathan “leveraged their teams to create and perpetuate negative content about Lively on social media platforms such as Reddit and TikTok,” according to the suit. “At the same time as Abel and Nathan were working to protect Baldoni from negative press attention, they were actively working their media contacts to plant negative stories about Jones and Jonesworks,” Jones’ suit states. They used “more than a dozen fake social media accounts and dark web accounts that defamed Jones and Jonesworks.” Bryan Freedman, a lawyer representing Baldoni, Wayfarer, Abel and Nathan, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about Jones’ suit on Tuesday. In a previous response to Lively’s complaint, Freedman wrote that Nathan’s company, The Agency Group PR, “operated as any crisis management firm would when hired by a client experiencing threats by two extremely powerful people with unlimited resources,” referring to Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. Freedman also referred to Lively’s claims as “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” In her suit, Jones cited some text messages she said she obtained from Abel’s work phone after terminating Abel in August. Some of the texts Jones included in her own suit were previously unpublished, including one allegedly sent by Abel that called Baldoni “unlikeable and unrealistic as a leading man.” “I can’t stand him. He’s so pompous. A men’s retreat during release, is he crazy?!” one of the texts from Abel’s phone said. “He doesn’t need a retreat. He needs to be humbled.” In the wake of on-set demands from Lively asking Baldoni and Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath to stop certain behaviors , including entering her trailer while she was in a state of undress and adding unscripted sexual scenes into the film, Jones alleged that she had originally planned to counter the emerging media narrative around tensions between the stars with “a positive press strategy.” Instead, Jones alleges that Abel and Nathan implemented “an aggressive media smear campaign” against her and Lively at the same time on behalf of Baldoni and Wayfarer, amid their own plans to establish a competing PR business. Jones’ “lawsuit seeks to finally put a stop to their continued misconduct and to compensate Jones and Jonesworks for the damage Defendants’ conduct and scheme has inflicted,” it states. She is requesting a jury trial. In the days since Lively’s complaint was filed, many in Hollywood — including the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the studio behind “It Ends With Us” — have issued their support for Lively. Baldoni was dropped by his talent agency WME. He has not publicly addressed Lively’s complaint or Jones’ lawsuit.Former Kentucky WR Dane Key set for transfer to Nebraska