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The year in money: inflation eased, optimism ticked upwardVANCOUVER — The British Columbia New Democrats have negotiated a deal with the two Green Party members of the legislature that will help stabilize the New Democrats' slim majority government, Premier David Eby says. The premier said in a statement Friday that while the two parties are distinct and won't always agree, they have "many shared values." Eby's party won a bare majority with 47 seats in the October provincial election, while two Greens were elected and the B.C. Conservatives have 44 seats. He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they'll work together to achieve, which includes health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy. "This agreement will strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians. We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people," Eby said. The stability of the NDP government got even shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she had cancer and was stepping away from her role as children's minister. B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has said he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its "destructive policies." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian PressNew York Giants (2-9) at Dallas (4-7) Thursday, 4:30 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Cowboys by 4. Against the spread: Giants 3-8; Cowboys 3-8. Series record: Cowboys lead 76-47-2. Last meeting: Cowboys beat Giants 20-15 on Sept. 26, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Last week: Giants lost to Buccaneers 30-7; Cowboys beat Commanders 34-26. Giants offense: overall (24), rush (19), pass (28), scoring (32) Giants defense: overall (19), rush (30), pass (7), scoring (17) Cowboys offense: overall (21), rush (31), pass (8), scoring (T22) Cowboys defense: overall (27), rush (31), pass (21), scoring (31) Turnover differential: Giants minus-6; Cowboys minus-9. WR Malik Nabers. The No. 6 overall pick in the draft had a team-high six receptions for 64 yards despite not being targeted in the first half as the Giants fell behind the Bucs 23-0. Coach Brian Daboll said he is not going to let that happen again. Against Dallas in Week 4, Nabers had a season-high 12 catches for 115 yards, with a long of 39 yards. He was targeted 15 times by Daniel Jones. He sustained a concussion on the last attempt and missed the next two games. RB Rico Dowdle just had his second game of at least 85 yards, finishing with 86 on the road against the Commanders. The undrafted fifth-year player who has taken over as the lead back is looking to sustain momentum for the first time. After finishing with 87 yards in a victory at Pittsburgh, Dowdle came home and was held to a season-low 25 yards in a 47-9 loss to Detroit. Dallas' 31st-ranked run game has been marked by that kind of inconsistency, or worse, all season. Giants DL Dexter Lawrence vs. Cowboys OL. Lawrence is tied for sixth in the NFL with a career-high nine sacks, and the Dallas offensive front has been in flux most of the season. Injuries and youth have kept the Cowboys from establishing a rushing attack in most games. Dallas is coming off an effective showing on the ground and Cooper Rush's best performance in three starts filling in for injured star QB Dak Prescott. Lawrence will test the Cowboys' ability to get the run game going and protect Rush. Giants QB Tommy DeVito emerged with a sore throwing arm from his first start replacing the benched and subsequently released Jones. Daboll said it was uncertain whether DeVito would play and that Drew Lock would get extra reps in practice just in case. ... OLB Azeez Ojulari, who has six sacks and 10 QB hits, was placed on injured reserve with a toe injury. ... LT Jermaine Eluemunor, who started the first 11 games, was ruled out with a quad injury. ... DL Armon Watts won't play because of a shoulder issue. ... The Cowboys will be without perennial All-Pro RG Zack Martin for a second consecutive game with ankle and shoulder injuries. ... CB Trevon Diggs, a 2021 All-Pro, is questionable with groin and knee issues after also missing the Washington game. ... LG Tyler Smith, who injured an ankle about the same time Martin did late in the game against Houston on Nov. 18, says he will play after sitting against the Commanders. ... TE Jake Ferguson has been ruled out with a concussion for the second week in a row. ... WR Brandin Cooks was activated off IR. He hasn't played since the first meeting with the Giants because of a knee issue. The Cowboys have won 14 of the past 15 meetings with the Giants. Matching seven-game winning streaks for Dallas are separated by a New York victory in the 2020 season finale. ... This is the second Thanksgiving meeting in three seasons for the NFC East rivals. There had been just one before that, a 30-3 Dallas victory in 1992. The Cowboys won 28-20 two years ago. The Giants are 0-4 on the holiday since a 13-6 win at Detroit in 1982. The 16 combined losses for New York and Dallas are the most going into a Cowboys Thanksgiving game, according to Sportradar. The previous high was 14 three times, most recently in 2020 when Washington beat Dallas 41-16 in a matchup of seven-loss teams. Washington made the playoffs that season as the NFC East champ at 7-9. ... The first Dallas-New York meeting also was on Thursday. That happened last season with Green Bay and Detroit. The previous — and only other — time was 1923 with the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cardinals. ... The Giants' six-game losing streak is their longest since a nine-game skid, the franchise record, in 2019. ... The Cowboys ended a five-game losing streak with the victory at Washington but are 0-5 at home. It’s the worst home start since Dallas lost all eight games at old Texas Stadium while finishing 1-15 in 1989, the year owner Jerry Jones bought the team. The home losing streak is six going back to a wild-card loss to Green Bay in January. Before losing to the Packers, the Cowboys had won 16 in a row at AT&T Stadium. ... DeVito was 21 of 31 for 189 yards in his first action this season against the Buccaneers. He was sacked four times. ... WR Wan’Dale Robinson has 61 catches, surpassing his career high of 60 in 2023. ... Nabers has 67 catches, the most by a player in his first nine games. Puka Nacua of the Rams set the record of 64 last season. ... WR Darius Slayton had his streak of catching a pass snapped at 26 games against Tampa Bay. ... New York has gone 11 consecutive games without a positive turnover differential, extending the longest single-season streak in franchise history. ... The Giants have not intercepted a pass in 10 consecutive games, tying the NFL record held by the 1976-77 San Francisco 49ers and the 2017 Oakland Raiders. ... New York has one sack in the past three games after getting an NFL-high 35 through the first eight games. ... The Giants have the fewest points in the league (163) and they have played seven games without scoring a first-half touchdown. ... Rookie S Tyler Nubin has led New York with 12 tackles each of the past two games. ... Rush had his highest passer rating as the Dallas starter at 117.6 against the Commanders. He threw for two touchdowns with no interceptions. Rush beat the Giants for one of his victories when he went 4-1 filling in for Prescott early in 2022. He had a TD with no picks in a 23-16 win. ... WR CeeDee Lamb leads the NFL with 77 catches. He and Jarvis Landry are the only players in league history with at least 70 catches in each of their first five seasons. Lamb led the NFL last season with a career-high 135 grabs. ... Star pass rusher Micah Parsons had two sacks against the Commanders and has a sack in each of his three Thanksgiving games. ... WR/KR KaVontae Turpin, who returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Washington, is the fifth player since the 1970 merger to have TDs on punt and kickoff returns along with a scoring catch of at least 60 yards. The most recent was Chicago's Devin Hester in 2007. Lamb has averaged 91 yards receiving per game against the Giants in his career, but without a bunch of touchdowns (four). While the Giants lag in most team statistical categories, they do have the seventh-best pass defense in the NFL. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. Related Articles Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. Auto and will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. This year, expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. The new and higher proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.COLUMBUS—Ron Walters has informed the PANGAEA Board of Directors of his decision to retire as CEO at the close of 2024. With a distinguished career spanning more than 41 years in the telecommunications and internet sectors, Walters held key executive management roles in both large and small companies throughout the U.S. For the past 18 years, he led PANGAEA as CEO, hiring outstanding staff and steering the company through significant growth and innovation. Under Walter’s leadership, PANGAEA successfully partnered with dozens of community-focused organizations and leaders to realize its nonprofit mission of enhancing economic development, improving the quality of life, serving underserved areas, and positioning itself for further expansion. During his tenure, the company expanded and diversified its fiber internet service offerings by building almost 1,000 miles of fiber and providing service to thousands of locations in Rutherford and Polk counties, and grew revenue to $2M annually. More than $6M in grant awards was received to build its state-of-the-art network and connect customers. Walters fostered a team-oriented corporate culture emphasizing communications, community focus, customer service, and employee development and engagement. “It has been an honor to build this team and lead PANGAEA through a period of remarkable transformation and growth,” Walters said. “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and very confident in the future growth and innovation of the company.” PANGAEA Internet also announced the promotion of Ken Griffin to Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. With more than 30 years of experience in information technology and management, he has been an integral part of the PANGAEA team since 2015. Most recently, Griffin served as PANGAEA’s Senior Network Operations and Sales Director, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s technical strategy and operational growth. His diverse skill set, technical expertise, and leadership qualities make him the ideal choice to lead PANGAEA as it continues to evolve and succeed in a rapidly changing industry. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and lives in Tryon with his wife and daughter. “I am both honored and excited to take on the role of CEO at PANGAEA Internet,” said Griffin. “The company has always had a strong foundation built on providing exceptional fiber internet solutions to our community and partners, and I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to innovate and expand our services. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in everything we do, and I am excited for what the future holds.” Jim Edwards, Chairman of the Board, noted that Walters guided PANGAEA through crucial steps in its growth. “His industry experience, commitment to community service, and dedication to PANGAEA’s mission have made his leadership the key to success,” said Edwards. “Ken’s extensive background in IT and his proven leadership in previous roles have equipped him to take PANGAEA Internet to the next level. We are confident that under Ken’s leadership, the company will continue to thrive and provide innovative solutions to our partners while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence.” PANGAEA also announced the well-deserved promotions of Rick Mason to Chief Financial Officer and Director of Business Operations, Dana Conner to Network Engineer & Project Coordinator, and Carolyn Whitehead to Manager of Business Operations. PANGAEA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable and reliable connectivity and services in our region. For more information, visit www.pangaea.us. Submitted by Carolyn Whitehead
OTTAWA — Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new border plan with Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Both Trudeau and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who Trudeau has been courting to become Canada's next finance minister, shared posts on X Thursday, a day after Trump's latest jab at Canada in his Christmas Day message. It isn't clear if Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has repeatedly insisted Trump's 51st state references are a joke, will raise the issue with Trump's team when he and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly meet with them in Palm Beach. The two are there to discuss Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with just under four weeks left before Trump is sworn in again as president. He has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada and Mexico the same day over concerns about a trade imbalance, as well as illegal drugs and migration issues at the borders. The broad strokes of Canada's plan were made public Dec. 17, including a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the border, and improved efforts using technology and canine teams to seek out drugs in shipments leaving Canada LeBlanc's spokesman, Jean-Sébastien Comeau, said the ministers will also emphasize the negative impacts of Trump's threatened tariffs on both Canada and the U.S. Comeau said the ministers will build on the discussions that took place last month when Trudeau and LeBlanc met Trump at Mar-a-Lago just days after Trump first made his tariff threat. It was at that dinner on Nov. 29 when Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, a comment LeBlanc has repeatedly since insisted was just a joke. But Trump has continued the quip repeatedly in various social media posts, including in his Christmas Day message when he said Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better military protection if they became Americans. He has taken to calling Trudeau "governor" instead of prime minister. Trudeau had not directly responded to any of the jabs, but on Thursday posted a link to a six-minute long video on YouTube from 2010 in which American journalist Tom Brokaw "explains Canada to Americans." The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, including their founding based on immigration, their trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian Army in World War 2 and other modern conflicts. "In the long history of sovereign neighbours there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada," Brokaw says in the video. Trudeau did not expand about why he posted a link to the video, posting it only with the words "some information about Canada for Americans." Carney, who is at the centre of some of Trudeau's recent domestic political troubles, also called out Trump's antics on X Thursday, calling it "casual disrespect" and "carrying the 'joke' too far." "Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership," said Carney, who Trudeau was courting to join his cabinet before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister last week. Freeland's sudden departure, three days after Trudeau informed her he would be firing her as finance minister in favour of Carney, left Trudeau's leadership even more bruised than it already was. Despite the expectation Carney would assume the role, he did not and has not made any statements about it. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister instead the same day Freeland quit. More than two dozen Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign as leader, and Trudeau is said to be taking the holidays to think about his next steps. He is currently vacationing in British Columbia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .
TC Energy Corp. stock falls Wednesday, underperforms market
PHOTOS: Midview DiFranco Classic basketball, Nov. 27, 2024
The powersports industry is experiencing murky times, which has RIDE-CT pondering just how bleak the coming year might be. Manufacturers are in upheaval, while dealers are no doubt concerned about what’s to come as 2024 becomes 2025. Riders are likewise lacking in clarity and facing challenges even without the threat of tariffs being implemented with the change of administration in Washington. Tariffs would be doubly detrimental as they would increase the price of motorcycles sold in the U.S. as well as U.S. models sold overseas; a whammy for buyers and sellers. A pair of industry stories in recent weeks reveal two dire situations. Blaming “ongoing business conditions,” Textron-owned snowmobile maker Arctic Cat said in a letter to dealers on Dec. 18 that it will “suspend manufacturing operations indefinitely” at two plants in Minnesota once it wraps up planned production for the first half of 2025. Resumption of production “will depend upon the outcome of Textron’s evaluation of strategic alternatives for the business.” Suffice to say, Arctic Cat is on thin ice due a shortfall of snow in recent years that has crippled snowmobile sales. If it’s hurting Arctic Cat, it’s hurting other sled builders as well. The niche’s future is uncertain. The other story of consequence was the news in late November that Austria’s KTM is broke. Liabilities total $3.03 billion — and there are 2,500 creditors lined up with their palms out. The company’s attempting self-administered debt restructuring, which includes the sale of its stake in Italian bike-maker MV Agusta. KTM also owns the Husqvarna, Husaberg and Gas Gas brands, but it’s KTM that’s the problem. It reportedly has a year’s worth of unsold models – 265,000 motorcycles stockpiled worldwide – at a time when sales are declining and the company is faced with complaints about quality. Meanwhile, here at home, sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles continue to crater. The company that sold 267,999 motorcycles worldwide in 2014 was down to 162,771 in 2023, a 39 percent decline. Harley-Davidson’s most recent sales figures, released in late October, showed a 13 percent worldwide decline in third quarter sales from 2023 to 2024 and a 10 percent drop in North America. Part of Harley-Davidson’s decline is self-inflicted; make that self-determined as it has focused on pushing profits by emphasizing its most expensive models. The 2024 CVO Road Glide, for example, has a base price of $44,499, which is nearly the price of an average car. Maybe restructuring into a luxury brand will ensure long-term success for Harley-Davidson, but it certainly is an abandonment of its past core. So what does the future hold for the power sports industry? RIDE-CT’s guess is retrenchment and uncertainty in the short-term. A shrinkage of dealers is likely. Harley-Davidson already has fewer dealers in Connecticut than it once did. We’ve seen some dealers that handle other brands take on additional brands to potentially help pay the bills. As noted in a previous RIDE-CT column, Max BMW in New Milford has added, yes, KTM and is in the process of adding a separate building for the line. Despite high interest rates and high prices for many new models, this still isn’t a bad time to be a shopper. Over-production means discounting to clear inventory. Do a little window shopping online and it’s quickly apparent that there’s an abundance of solid low-mileage pre-owned models as well. Many have come from aging casual riders who have lost interest or become worried because of the rising death rate for riders and have given up the recreation. Like so many riders, I look almost daily at used bike ads to see what’s available, and the choices are at numerous price points. Particularly surprising of late has been the number of solid used models for under $5,000, models that make riding affordable. I can’t recall seeing prices as attractive as they are at the moment. In more than 20 years of riding, I’ve owned at least 18 motorcycles. Not one of them has been new, and all but one have been reliable. So what will happen within the power sports industry in 2025? My sense is that it will be a bumpy ride for businesses. A point may have finally been reached where high prices, too much technology (which results in user frustrations and recalls) and the growing number of distracted drivers will deter riding and conspire to create a significant and continued downturn. Bud Wilkinson writes about classic cars and motorcycles every Saturday in the Republican-American. He may be reached by email at budw@ride-ct.com.
Friday, December 20, 2024 Consumers in the United States will benefit from $11 billion in savings over the next decade thanks to the Biden administration’s decisive action against junk fees. On December 17, 2023 , the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced a landmark rule prohibiting hidden fees in hotels, vacation rentals, and event bookings, marking a significant step toward transparency in the travel industry. The regulation targets a widespread issue where businesses advertise deceptively low base prices online, only to add hidden charges—such as resort fees, convenience fees, or service charges—at checkout. This practice has long frustrated travelers and event-goers, eroding trust in pricing. The FTC rule mandates that businesses in the travel and events industries display the total price upfront , including all mandatory fees. Any additional charges, such as taxes or shipping fees, must be disclosed clearly, detailing their purpose before consumers complete a transaction. Moreover, the final total price must be more prominent than any other pricing displayed on the website. This rule does not limit what businesses can charge but ensures that the true cost is presented transparently. By doing so, consumers can engage in fair comparison shopping, making more informed decisions and avoiding surprises at checkout. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . FTC Chair Lina M. Khan emphasized the importance of this regulation in a public statement: “People deserve to know upfront what they’re being asked to pay—without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees.” Hidden fees have disproportionately affected budget-conscious travelers who rely on advertised pricing for trip planning, often to find themselves overspending due to last-minute additional charges. By eliminating these fees, consumers are empowered with the tools to make cost-effective travel choices. This regulation is particularly crucial for vacation rentals and hotels , where resort fees have become a contentious issue. Previously, consumers were drawn to seemingly affordable listings only to be surprised by fees that inflated the cost substantially. The FTC’s rule has far-reaching implications for the travel industry. It not only levels the playing field for businesses but also promotes fair competition. Travel platforms, hotels, and event booking websites must now prioritize transparent pricing, forcing businesses to compete on actual costs rather than misleading advertisements. This regulation is expected to: The FTC’s new rule ensures that such practices will now be a thing of the past. The travel and events industries are adapting to this shift with mixed reactions. While some businesses appreciate the focus on transparency, others worry about the operational challenges of compliance. Large players, including hotel chains and major ticketing platforms, are revising their pricing structures and website interfaces to align with the new regulation. Critics argue that businesses may pass on the additional costs of compliance to consumers. However, the overall benefit of enhanced transparency and fair competition is expected to outweigh these concerns. Industry analysts believe that businesses embracing this change proactively will gain a competitive edge in the long run. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . This rule is part of the Biden administration’s broader push for consumer rights. In recent years, other initiatives have targeted issues such as airline refund policies , baggage fees , and overbooking compensation . The travel industry is under increasing pressure to prioritize consumer interests, particularly as travel demand rebounds in a post-pandemic world. For travelers, this rule marks a significant victory. Here’s how it will impact them: For frequent travelers, this regulation ensures a smoother booking process and eliminates the frustration of unexpected fees that derail travel budgets. As the rule comes into effect, the travel industry must navigate this regulatory shift carefully. Businesses that fail to comply risk penalties and damage to their reputation. On the other hand, those who embrace transparency can leverage it as a marketing advantage, highlighting their commitment to fair pricing practices. The FTC has pledged to monitor compliance closely, ensuring that the rule’s benefits reach consumers as intended. Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups will continue to push for additional measures to protect travelers from unfair practices. The FTC’s ban on junk fees is a game-changer for the travel and events industries. By mandating transparent pricing, the rule not only saves consumers $11 billion over the next decade but also promotes fair competition and trust in the marketplace. As businesses adapt to this new reality, travelers can look forward to a simpler, more honest booking experience. The future of travel is more transparent, empowering consumers to make informed decisions and enjoy stress-free trips. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos .
Go for medal, Yasawa athletes urgedStartups raised about $1.19 billion in funding between December 1 and 27, a 22.2% decrease compared to $1.53 billion across 158 rounds during the same month last year. ET Year-end Special Reads Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 2025 outlook: Is it time for cautious optimism or rekindling animal spirits? 2024: Govt moves ahead with simultaneous polls plan; India holds largest democratic exercise ETtech In December, funding came through 73 rounds, compared to the $2.13 billion raised across 87 rounds in November, according to data from private market intelligence platform Tracxn. During the week of December 21 to 27, startups raised around $43.4 million, driven primarily by online meat and seafood platform Captain Fresh’s fundraise of Rs 100 crore (around $12 million) from Motilal Oswal Wealth. Top deals of the month: Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Rebel Foods : Singapore’s sovereign fund Temasek led a $210 million funding round in Mumbai-based Rebel Foods , parent of Faasos, Behrouz Biryani and other cloud kitchen brands. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories ETtech Mintifi : Mumbai-based lending platform Mintifi secured $180 million in a fresh equity funding round . New investors PayU parent Prosus and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) pumped in $80 million each into the company, with another $20 million being invested by Premji Invest, an existing investor. Vastu Finance : Prosus, the Dutch-listed technology investment arm of Naspers invested $100 million in housing finance company Vastu Finance for an 8.4% stake. ETtech Zetwerk : Contract manufacturing startup Zetwerk has raised an additional $70 million in fresh capital, bringing the total funding to $100 million in this round. The funding was led by Silicon Valley-based Khosla Ventures and Indigo airline founder Rakesh Gangwal. CarDekho : Automotive solutions provider CarDekho's South Asia business unit (SEA) raised $60 million in a funding round led by Navis Capital Partners and Dragon Fund.
EXCLUSIVE Trump's NATO pick Matt Whitaker's surprising take on Russia seizing Crimea resurfaces as Putin threatens WWIII READ MORE: Sign up for DailyMail.com's daily political email Follow DailyMail.com's politics live blog for all the latest news and updates By GEOFF EARLE, DEPUTY U.S. POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 17:38 EST, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 18:01 EST, 22 November 2024 e-mail View comments Donald Trump 's choice for U.S. ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said back in 2014 that Russia's seizure of Crimea wasn't a threat to 'vital' U.S. interests. The invasion, as it turns out, was a prelude to the broader invasion in 2022 that now has the Kremlin threatening to strike a U.S. base in Poland and raising nuclear threats while NATO allies making new preparations for a potential World War II . The latest chilling sabre rattling came from Russian foreign minister said Moscow would 'react accordingly' after Ukraine fired U.S.-provided long-range weapons at its territory and Vladimir Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev posted that it meant 'World War III'. Whitaker's comment, in the midst of a Republican primary during Whitaker's ill-fated run for the U.S. Senate , is one of a limited number of public pronouncements on geopolitics, U.S. alliances, and the nation's military spending. His position, if confirmed, would put him at the center of a historic standoff, with allies saying Russia's war threatens the entire transatlantic alliance. Whitaker is a lawyer, a former U.S. attorney, a former Big Ten football player, and former Acting Attorney General who Trump installed when he fired Sen. Jeff Sessions while fuming over the Russia probe. His comments on Crimea and U.S. 'boots on the ground' came during a debate in Des Moines against eventual winner Joni Ernst in response to a foreign policy question, just a few months after Russian forces seized the vital territory in 2014. 'Well, for me, it's what is in our national interest,' he said in the debate , hosted by KCCI. 'And I have a very high bar for what's in our national interest. For example, I didn't support going to Syria . I think this President was one of the prime example of him showing weakness.' 'And I would look at, really, when are our vital interests being threatened? I don't see that happening right now in Crimea, for example, but there are ways we could strengthen NATO and the European Union ,' Whitaker continued, in a clip obtained by DailyMail.com and unearthed by super PAC American Bridge, which is researching Trump nominees. Donald Trump announced he plans to nominate former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker as U.S. ambassador to NATO, amid growing threats in Europe Then he compared himself to the candidate field on military spending. 'Probably among these five, I would probably be the least likely to use our military and probably spend the least amount on the military. It's probably marginally less, but it is probably among these five I would do the least in that,' he said. Trump two years later could campaign on new military spending, calling the military 'so depleted' and vowing: 'We will rebuild our military.' Even with the buildup, the U.S. would find itself short on ammunition, javelins, and missiles in the rush to supply Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion. President Joe Biden, while shovelling billions in military aid to Ukraine, has resisting putting U.S. forces there. Whitaker did not hesitate when the moderator asked if the U.S. should have gone into Iraq. 'No, we should not have gone to Iraq,' Whitaker said. That dovish position puts him in line with Trump, who now regularly criticizes the war (although fact-checks have decisively contradicted his claims that he opposed the 2003 invasion before it happened). A grab taken from footage released online on November 21, 2024 by the Ukrainian charity "Come Back Alive" shows flashes over the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Kyiv accused Russia of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile attack at Ukraine for the first time on November 21, 2024 but without a nuclear warhead Security camera footage out of the central-eastern city of Dnipro showed several projectiles streaking in and detonating in a series of violent, fiery explosions Russian President Vladimir Putin's government has been keeping up nuclear sabre rattling. The 2014 invasion of Crimea was a prelude to the cross-border invasion of Ukraine in 2022 Whitaker defended Trump on the Russia probe and in TV appearances. His comments on Crimea, which was part of Ukraine before Russia seized it, came during his failed run for Senate In another debate, Whitaker spoke about Ukraine as a 'fairly new democracy' that was 'split almost right down the middle to Russian speaker and the non Russian speakers' trying to determine 'which way to look.' 'Ukrainians need to come up with a solution and not have to favor one group or the other,' he said. Read More Moment 'nuclear-capable' Russian ICBM hits Ukraine as Moscow threatens to destroy US base in Poland He blamed Barack Obama for his 'very weak response' after Russia invaded Georgia, another former Soviet republic. 'I see why President Putin is very willing to go into Crimea and secure his port in Sevastopol and really now we have a election that is being propped up to have an independent state in Crimea that will look to Russia and it’s all because of this president and his weak foreign policy,' he said. Trump has revealed the premium he is putting on personal loyalty in his early picks, including selecting Pam Bondi, who represented him during his first impeachment, as attorney general after the Matt Gaetz nomination imploded. Whitaker scores high marks in that category as well, saying in a 2019 Fox News interview defending Trump that 'abuse of power is not a crime.' Trump has picked Whitaker for the key ambassadorial post at a time when key allies are making contingencies for World War III amid Kremlin threats over the war in Ukraine. Trump said Whitaker, who he installed in the top-level Justice Department post amid the Mueller probe during his first term, would be a 'strong warrior and loyal Patriot.' He said he would 'ensure the United States' interests are advanced and defended. Matt will strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.' Trump has long been a critic of NATO and the way allies have lived up to burden-sharing commitments, and allies are busy gaming out how his return will impact global relationships . Trump's announcement comes after days of incendiary rhetoric following reports that President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range ATACAMs provided by the U.S. to strike deep inside Russia – something the Ukrainian's appear to have quickly acted on. It sparked furious warnings from the Kremlin that it was 'fueling the fire' and from Kremlin allies that it could bring World War III. That followed Russia's introduction of thousands of allied North Korean troops onto its territory as it seeks to push back Ukrainians holding seized territory inside its Kursk region . Then, the administration confirmed it would send controversial antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine. The new anti-personnel landmines are more sensitive but also can lead to more civilian deaths. Meanwhile, European nations are gearing up for an all-out war on the continent as Ukraine launched US-made missiles into Russia for the first time and Vladimir Putin officially lowered the threshold for Moscow to consider a nuclear strike. Germany 's foreign minister vowed her country 'will not be intimidated' by Putin, just one day after German media revealed the nation will transform into a NATO staging ground if the conflict to the East should escalate. According to a 1,000-page document entitled 'Operationsplan Deutschland', Germany would reportedly host hundreds of thousands of troops from NATO countries and serve as a logistics hub for sending huge quantities of military equipment, food and medicine toward the front. Read More Europe prepares for WWIII: Biden announces new weapon Zelensky can use against Putin A report by Der Spiegel in the summer said as many as 800,000 soldiers from the security bloc could be hosted by Germany as they transit to posts further East. Putin signed off on an updated version of the Kremlin's nuclear doctrine that broadens the scope for Moscow to turn to its fearsome atomic arsenal. The new document, first announced in September, allows Putin's strategic forces to deploy their devastating weapons if Russia or Belarus is threatened by a non-nuclear nation supported by a nuclear power . Returning from a trip to South America late Tuesday, Biden would respond to shouted questions about long-range missiles or reports that Russia had been behind the cutting of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea in apparent sabotage. Finland reminded its citizens of their 'national defense obligation' and recently launched a new information website, while Sweden laid out a detailed guide on how to seek shelter and what to do in case of a nuclear attack. Trump, whose cabinet picks have run into controversy, praised Whitaker, a former Big Ten football player at the University of Iowa who served as a U.S. attorney in his home state. 'I have full confidence in Matt's ability to represent the United States with Strength, Integrity, and unwavering Dedication. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to promote PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Freedom, and Prosperity around the World.' Whitaker is a lawyer and Trump loyalist who does not have foreign policy experience. A Ukrainian service member from the special police unit Hyzhak (Predator) fires a howitzer D30 towards Russian troops. Russia reacted with fury over reports the U.S. is allowing missile attacks deep inside Russia Soldiers of the German Bundeswehr conduct military drills amid ongoing tensions and fears of an expanding war Whitaker held a key post overseeing the Russia probe – which Trump continues to brand a 'witch hunt' – during his first term. Trump installed him as acting AG over the objection of Rod Rosenstein, who had appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel overseeing the probe. Democrats had voiced concerns that Whitaker, who didn't go through Senate confirmation, would shut down the probe. He also served as chief of staff to Trump's first AG, Jeff Sessions, who infuriated Trump by recusing himself from the Russia probe. He denied interfering with the probe in testimony to congressional Democrats. Whitaker has used frequent TV appearances on Fox News to blast the criminal cases against Trump, and has been involved in the the right-leaning America First Policy Institute. Trump's announcement brought reminders of some of the oddities on his resume from years ago. Before Trump installed him at the DOJ, his gigs included serving on the advisory board of World Patent Marketing. Democrats accused the firm of running a patent scam with products such as the ‘Masculine Toilet’ for ‘well-endowed men.’ According to the firm, it featured a ‘specially designed bowl’ to help the men ‘avoid unwanted contact with porcelain or water.’ If plumbing is still stuck on his mind, Whitaker’s future residence (the post requires Senate confirmation – something he avoided as ‘acting’ AG) – his future digs likely have more than one bathroom that could use a refresh. Truman Hall, built by a chocolatier in the Flemish countryside in 1963 near NATO headquarters in Brussels, has a ‘sweeping lawn, towering cedars, English gardens and an herb harden,’ according to the U.S. Mission to NATO. ‘The interiors are humanly scaled with sensible arrangements and elegant proportions.’ The announcement comes as Trump's team is in the Senate trying to line up support for his controversial choice of former Rep. Matt Gaetz to lead the Justice Department despite an Ethics Committee probe into alleged sex trafficking allegations. Trump spent his first term blasting allies including Germany who failed to live up to spending commitments for defense. He also ordered a U.S. troop drawdown in Germany amid complaints about its defense spending – although the Biden administration has praised German efforts to send arms to Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion. Early this year, Trump spoke about what he would encourage Russia to do to U.S. allies who don't meet their spending commitments while recounting a conversation with 'one of the presidents of a big country.' 'No, I would not protect you,' Trump said he told the foreign leader 'In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills.' 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Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates. In their final fixture of 2024, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game midway through the opening period. Arsenal’s victory takes them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool, having played one match more than the Reds, and a point clear of Chelsea following their Boxing Day defeat to Fulham. Ipswich, although much improved in the second half, have now lost five of their last six games, and remain just one place off the bottom of the table, three points away from safety. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hDd5bkHwXr — Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 27, 2024 Mikel Arteta’s men have been rocked by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury which could keep the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, out of action for the next two months. Gabriel Martinelli was handed the unenviable task of filling Saka’s shoes on Arsenal’s right-hand side and the Brazilian was involved in the only goal of the evening. The Ipswich defence failed to deal with Martinelli’s cross, with the ball falling to Leandro Trossard on the opposite side of the area. Trossard fought his way to the byline before fizzing his cross into the box for Havertz to convert from a matter of yards. It was Havertz’s third goal in four matches, his 12th of the season, and no less than the hosts, who at that stage of the match had enjoyed a staggering 91.4 per cent of the possession, deserved. Heading into Friday’s fixture, Arsenal had lost only one of their last 75 Premier League games when they had opened the scoring, and their triumph here rarely looked in doubt following Havertz’s strike. Three points that take Arsenal into second 🪜 #ARSIPS pic.twitter.com/Dx3s6XlwQ2 — Premier League (@premierleague) December 27, 2024 Havertz thought he had doubled Arsenal’s lead with 34 minutes gone when he converted Gabriel Jesus’ cross. But Jesus – handed his third successive start for the first time in a year – strayed into an offside position in the build-up. When referee Darren England blew for half-time, Ipswich had failed to touch the ball in Arsenal’s box, becoming just the second side to do so in the Premier League this season. Nottingham Forest were the other, away at Liverpool, before they went on to inflict Arne Slot’s sole defeat of his tenure so far. And for all of Arsenal’s possession, while they held just a one-goal advantage, Ipswich knew they were still in the game. An encouraging start to the second half for the Tractor Boys ensued, albeit without testing David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Shortly after the hour mark, Gabriel should have settled any growing Emirates nerves when he arrived unmarked to Declan Rice’s corner, but the defender headed wide of Arijanet Muric’s post when it looked easier to score. Just over an hour on the clock. #ARSIPS pic.twitter.com/JXNipX1J1Z — IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) December 27, 2024 Martin Odegaard then forced a fine fingertip save from Muric at his near post after a mazy run and shot from the Arsenal skipper. Rice’s stinging goal-bound volley from the following corner was blocked by Dara O’Shea as Arsenal pushed for a game-killing second. Havertz should have tapped home Trossard’s header but he fluffed his lines. And moments later, substitute Mikel Merino’s effort was diverted from danger by a diving Muric. Ipswich looked to catch Arsenal on the counter, but the match ended without them registering a single effort on Raya’s goal. Ipswich fans goaded their opponents with chants of “boring, boring Arsenal”, but it was the Gunners who enjoyed the last laugh as they saw out 2024 with a win which keeps the pressure on Liverpool.
On November 13, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of its interim guidance and additional materials to support the regulatory community in implementing the requirements of the October 4, 2024, final rule for the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) (2024 AEZ Rule). EPA also has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document regarding the rulemaking, as well as a chart comparing the differences between the 2015 WPS, the 2020 AEZ Rule that never went into effect, and the 2024 AEZ Rule. The interim guidance addresses topics such as compliance with AEZs that extend off-establishment, determining the size of the AEZ using the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers standards for droplet size, and the exemption for immediate family. EPA states it plans to revise this guidance over time in response to various stakeholders’ questions and needs. EPA encourages suggestions for additional guidance topics and improvements, which can be submitted to opp_occupational_pesticide_safety@epa.gov . EPA states this interim guidance supersedes all of EPA’s previous guidance on the AEZ and will be effective on December 3, 2024 , when the final AEZ rule goes into effect. AEZ Rule History According to EPA, the WPS regulation offers protections to over two million agricultural workers (and their families) and pesticide handlers who work at over 600,000 agricultural establishments. In 2015, EPA made significant changes to the regulation to reduce incidents of pesticide exposure for farmworkers and their family members. Among the changes, the revised standard includes a new provision requiring agricultural employers to keep workers and all other individuals out of the AEZ area during outdoor pesticide applications. The AEZ is the area surrounding an ongoing pesticide application that people must not enter to avoid exposure. EPA states that an AEZ moves with the equipment during applications to protect farmworkers and bystanders who could come in contact with pesticides. In 2020, EPA published a rule specific to AEZ requirements, limiting the applicability of the protections to agricultural employers’ property and shrinking the AEZ size from 100 feet to 25 feet for some ground-based spray applications. Prior to the effective date of the 2020 AEZ Rule, petitions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the 2020 AEZ Rule. The SDNY issued an order granting the petitioners’ request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction enjoining the effective date of the rule. As a result, the 2020 AEZ Rule never went into effect. 2024 AEZ Rule In 2021, EPA began reviewing the 2020 AEZ Rule in accordance with Executive Order 13990, Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis . EPA states it determined that certain provisions in the 2020 AEZ Rule that weakened protections for farmworkers and nearby communities from pesticide exposure should be rescinded. EPA’s proposed rule to reinstate several provisions of the 2015 rule was published in March 2023, and issued in final in October 2024. 2015 WPS provisions that were reinstated in the 2024 AEZ Rule include: Additionally, the final rule includes two revisions that EPA states it believes will provide clarity and flexibility for growers and farming families without increasing risk to farmworkers and bystanders: Additional information on the AEZ can be found here . Commentary The AEZ rules and their requirements regarding the size and conditions of use when pesticide applications would have to be stopped have been somewhat controversial since its initial promulgation in 2015. As the background here explains, there were revisions by the first Administration of President-elect Trump ( i.e. , the 2020 AEZ Rule), most of those revisions are reversed during the Biden Administration with the 2024 AEZ Rule, and in the end, it is now likely that the new Administration will revert back to essentially the same position promulgated under President-elect Trump’s first term. Throughout the development of these provisions, the primary criticism of the original 2015 rule was that the application requirements already prohibited exposures when applying pesticides to bystanders and workers. The “tricky” issue centers on what is appropriate when there is an unexpected or occasional entry of a delivery vehicle ( e.g. ,Amazon deliveries) or an unexpected non-family member into a treatment area who then might be exposed to drift from a pesticide application. The issue became part of the discussion concerning confirmation of the Administration appointees during President-elect Trump’s first term; with Senate control now in the hands of a Republican majority, any intended changes to the now-current rule are unlikely to be a significant factor in the confirmation debate about incoming EPA political appointees.
The rise and fall of strongmen, and justice for a woman unbowed
Share Tweet Share Share Email Financial stability and diversification of assets have always been critical to man, and gold remains one of the most valued and versatile commodities. As a tangible store of value, gold has long been revered for its ability to hedge against economic uncertainty. Whether you are an investor, a collector, or simply someone looking to liquidate your gold assets, understanding how to sell gold effectively is crucial. To achieve this, it is essential to have access to accurate industry data, strategic insights, and trusted gold buyers like Precious Metals Refinery . For those looking to Sell Gold , selecting a reputable buyer such as Precious Metals Refinery (PMR) ensures transparency, fair market value, and a seamless transaction process. PMR is renowned for its expertise in evaluating gold and other precious metals, making it a trusted partner for sellers in an ever-evolving market. 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In 2025 alone, gold demand is expected to remain robust due to several key factors: 1) Inflation Hedge : With persistent inflation in many major economies, gold remains a preferred asset to safeguard against the erosion of purchasing power. 2) Technological Demand : The rise in demand for gold in technology, including electronics and renewable energy components, bolsters its market value. 3) Jewelry and Investment : Traditional markets, such as jewelry and bullion investment, continue to drive significant demand, particularly in countries like India and China. Steps to Sell Gold Effectively Selling gold may appear straightforward, but optimizing returns requires a strategic approach. Below are the key steps and considerations to ensure a successful transaction: 1) Assess the Value of Your Gold The first step in selling gold is understanding its value. Gold’s worth is primarily determined by its weight and purity, measured in karats. 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This expansion creates new opportunities for sellers to access diverse markets. Why Choose Precious Metals Refinery? Choosing the right buyer is pivotal when selling gold, and PMR stands out for several reasons. With a reputation built on trust, integrity, and expertise, Precious Metals Refinery offers: Accurate Appraisals : Using advanced technology, PMR provides precise evaluations, ensuring you receive fair value for your gold. Market-Competitive Pricing : By aligning their offers with live gold prices, PMR guarantees competitive rates. Customer-Centric Approach : With a commitment to transparency and professionalism, PMR ensures a seamless selling experience. For more information, visit their website and explore their specialized services. Conclusion Selling gold is more than a transaction; it is an opportunity to unlock the value of your assets. By understanding the intricacies of the gold market and partnering with a trusted buyer like Precious Metals Refinery, you can maximize your returns and navigate the process with confidence. With the gold market poised for growth in 2025, now is the time to capitalize on this enduring asset. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a first-time seller, the journey begins with knowledge and the right resources. Visit PMR to learn more and start your gold-selling journey today. The future of gold selling is bright, and with the right approach, you can turn your precious metals into tangible financial gains. 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