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Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Alex Iacovitti faced up to St Mirren’s packed festive programme and roared: Bring it on! The Buddies face four games in the space of 11 days over the traditionally busy Christmas and New Year period in the Premiership. It all kicks off on Boxing Day when Rangers visit the SMiSA Stadium for a match which will be screened live on Premier Sports (kick-off 5.45pm). Top-six rivals Dundee then arrive at Greenhill Road on Sunday, December 29 to wrap up a memorable year for Saints. Stephen Robinson’s men will first foot Rugby Park for a date with Kilmarnock on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and head to Glasgow’s east end to face reigning champions Celtic on Sunday, January 5. Saints are in great form having notched up five wins from their last eight games and Iacovitti is looking forward to tucking in to more than just turkey alongside his band of brothers who are in for training on Christmas Day. Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download. Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week. The dedicated team of experienced journalists, responsible for the publication of the award-winning Express, will focus on breaking news, day and night, across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages. There is also a dedicated St Mirren section that will follow every kick of the ball with the Buddies. Available on both Android and Apple. D ownload here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial He said: “I love playing games and want as many as possible. It’s what you are paid to do as a footballer. We’ve got a game every three or four days and it’s coming thick and fast. “I’ve been in on Christmas Day quite a few times as, down south, we play on Boxing Day quite a lot. “I’ve not had a proper Christmas Day for the last five or six years. It doesn’t bother me and I’ll follow the same routine as during the week and look forward to the game the next day. “It’s a really tight-knit group here. We’ve all got each other’s backs and, when we come in on Christmas Day, it will be a good crack and spirits will be high. I don’t think there will be a Secret Santa, I hope not! Maybe I don’t know about it!” Iacovitti – who scored his third goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Ross County – will enjoy a quiet Christmas with his partner as he gears up to take on Philippe Clement’s Light Blues. “It’s just me and the missus up here,” he said. “My family’s in Nottingham so we’ll just be here having a quiet one. It’s different when you are close to home but when it is just you and your partner, you get used to it.” Buddies boss Robbo gave his players Sunday and Monday off after success over the Staggies and they will begin preparations for the Rangers game on Tuesday. Scott Tanser is suspended for the Boxing Day game after being red-carded in Dingwall with Mark O’Hara (thigh) also out. Toyosi Olusanya returns from a ban while Conor McMenamin will be assessed regarding his availability. Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
All Blacks coaches reunited as Hansen, Foster eye Japan successPHOENIX — Traditionally, the holiday season is one of the hardest times of the year for food banks to meet the growing needs of the community. But that need gave birth to Turkey Tuesday 32 years ago, one of our favorite events of the year here at 12News. RELATED: Turkey Tuesday: Donate to help feed Arizona families for the holiday season This year we are thrilled to continue our annual Turkey Tuesday drive, where we partner with St. Vincent de Paul and Bashas’ to help those in need. Your generosity and the hard work of dedicated volunteers truly make an impact in the lives of thousands of families across Arizona. >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. It’s that time of year, family, food, and football, a time we come together to remember all that we’re thankful for. It’s also a time of giving and events like Turkey Tuesday are the perfect opportunity to get involved. One of the places your donations go is St. Mathew’s Conference food pantry in Phoenix, where Vincentian volunteers Luis Garcia and Elisabet Rios try to meet as many needs as possible. “The majority of us that volunteer came from a family at one time that needed help,” said Luis Garcia, a Vincentian volunteer. Garcia and Rios are paying it forward. “We give out food boxes to the families that are requesting help with food,” he said. Garcia says sometimes families request help with utilities or rentals. “...any kind of form they need... we never say no if we have the funds,” he added. At St. Mathews they stay busy, sorting food they’ve received from St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Reclamation Center. They fill out the food boxes according to each family’s needs. “If it’s a big family, we’ll give them two big banana boxes... and we’ll fill out the dry goods from here, and then for my other room is all our frozen,” said Rios. “... milk, eggs, meats, bread...” Rios is passionate about doing this incredible work and about helping others. “It’s just amazing,” she said. “This organization is beautiful.” Rios says one of her favorite things about volunteering is meeting the families they serve. “...going out and meeting the families... doing the home visits and you get to go one-on-one and meet the families,” Rios said. “That’s what I love the most.” They visit at least 15-20 homes twice a week, depending on the calls they receive. With each delivery, they include prayer cards. As soon as they parked, the Hairston family in Phoenix came outside and greeted them with smiles and hugs. “It’s so special,” said 11-year-old Yahweh. “I cannot believe that it’s happening today.” The visit means so much to him. “They’re very nice, loving and helpful...” he said. And his 9-year-old sister Yulan. “Yeah, they’re my best friends,” she said. Their mom Katherine Dillard and grandma Sandra Hairston are more than grateful for the generosity of others. “Because I’m on a fixed income and it has been so many months to where I’m robbing Peter to pay Paul in order to get groceries for my grandkids and my daughter,” said Hairston. “They have been angels sent for real." “I feel tears coming, because the way everything is right now, it’s hard to trust anybody,” said Dillard. “The economy is high and just them – they always help us... so I am grateful for them.” Every visit concludes with an extra special moment. “We ask them if they want to say a prayer with us,” said Garcia. He says sometimes it’s spoken by the volunteers and other times, by the families they’re visiting. “...and some of them do... they have beautiful, beautiful prayers,” said Garcia. He says sometimes it’s that powerful moment – that blessing – they’re in need of the most. “Maybe they haven’t gone to church in a long time and when we go, we represent Christ,” he said. “So, we get a lot more out of it than the families do sometimes.” The beautiful and important mission behind St. Vincent de Paul is truly making an immense difference in the lives of so many Arizonans. “It lifts my spirits, and it lets me know that god is real,” said Hairston. “Not only are they feeding our bellies, but they help feed our soul as well.” More than 168,00 food boxes are delivered every year to families experiencing food insecurity in central and northern Arizona. Watch 12News+ for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV . 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku : Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV : Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account , or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. More ways to get 12News On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. iTunes Google Play On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. On social media: Find us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .
It’s beginning to look a lot like an AI Christmas for U.K. marketers. Fifty-five percent of them are using the technology to plan and refine their seasonal campaigns, according to a study by Optimizely. Furthermore, 47% say they will use it for this next year. Also, 43% are using AI to personalize their Christmas campaigns. An finds 63% of U.S. marketers have integrated AI into their workflows. About the same number (62%) say content production volume has increased over the past year. Marketers using AI for content creation save 114 minutes weekly — that adds up to 98 hours annually. There’s a big generational divide about using AI for customer engagement: Only 56% of managers aged 18-24 rate AI as “very important” in customer engagement strategies, compared to 72% of those aged 35-44 or 55+, according to a Now, here’s this week’s roundup of AI-powered martech releases: joined to create a marketing mix decision engine. This platform offers real-time measurement, planning, and execution in one place. It combines Keen’s AI models with MADTECH.AI’s data decision intelligence platform. ’s AI Site-Chat is a virtual assistant for their platform. Businesses can use this tool to connect with customers 24/7, answer questions, and provide real-time information. announced improvements to their Hyland Insight offering. These enhancements include AI agents that can search, generate information, and receive user instructions for specialized tasks. launched a suite of new features for both consumers and business owners. Consumers received AI-driven review insights, a personalized home feed, and an improved AI chatbot. Businesses gained access to AI-powered job summaries and a tool to optimize ad performance. introduced a new solution to help advertisers avoid low-quality AI-generated content. Their Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Website Avoidance & Detection tool protects brand reputation online. Centric AI Fashion Inspiration, is a generative AI tool for apparel, footwear, and accessories companies. This tool helps speed design, reduce time-to-market, and generate new styles. Jovee AI is a fully-featured AI assistant for the telecom industry. This AI assistant can understand, empathize with, and engage with customers across multiple communication channels. Email:VERIFYING 6 kinds of social media scams
How Nancy Mace went from being a ‘caucus of one’ to the lead anti-trans voice in CongressBiden isn’t escalating the war in Ukraine — he’s doing the right thing
Atlassian CEO Michael Cannon-Brookes sells $2 million in stockFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, active listings for single-family homes fell conspicuously due to public health concerns and mandated stay-in-place orders. Naturally, this framework sparked a demand bottleneck, cynically benefiting homebuilders as society gradually normalized. However, incoming political shifts could present concerns for the broader housing market. Specifically, President-elect Donald Trump throughout the campaign trail for the 2024 election broadcasted anti-immigration sentiments . Combined with his proposed tariffs on building materials , Trump's policies could drive construction costs higher. Potentially, such a development could negatively impact demand as most Americans have struggled to get ahead of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Still, it's not all doom and gloom. Despite historically high mortgage rates, several Sun Belt cities may be poised for explosive sales growth in 2025 , according to projections from sites like Realtor.com. Several cities in Texas have consistently placed in the top rankings regarding housing demand. Further, booming areas such as Miami, Virginia Beach, Richmond and Charlotte may reignite currently deflated sentiment for homebuilding stocks. The Direxion ETF: For investors that view the glass as half-full, the Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares NAIL offer the ultimate in speculation. A leveraged exchange-traded fund, NAIL seeks a return that is 300% of the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index. Fundamentally, one of the benefits of a 3X-leveraged fund is convenience. Typically, traders seeking to magnify their returns over a short time period use options, which introduce complexities. In contrast, investors can buy units of the NAIL ETF, much like buying shares of a publicly traded company. Further, NAIL covers a basket of securities, including names like DR Horton Inc DHI and Lennar Corp LEN LEN . However, as a 3X-leveraged ETF, NAIL carries significant volatility risks. Notably, Direxion states that the fund should not be expected to provide three times the benchmark index's cumulative return for periods greater than a day. That's because exposure lasting longer than a day may expose the trader to valuation decay due to the effects of daily compounding. Nevertheless, weekly returns of the NAIL fund over the trailing five years reflects an upward bias. Of the past 261 weeks, 146 weeks saw a positive return, reflecting a success ratio of 55.94%. What's more, there have been 12 weeks (not including last week) where NAIL lost 20% of value or more. Of this dataset, eight of the following weeks generated positive returns, with an average performance of 25.55% up. Interestingly, in the business week ending Dec. 20, the 3X bull fund lost 21.66% of value. The NAIL ETF: Although the leveraged housing fund was looking strong up until late November, economic and political uncertainties saw the ETF go negative for the year. At the moment, the technical backdrop isn't enticing, with NAIL falling through its 50- and 200-day moving averages in late November and early December, respectively. On the positive side, NAIL is trading above the critical $80 level, which previously acted as support throughout 2021. Moving forward, it's imperative that the bulls establish a baseline of support here. This seems credible given the aforementioned upward bias, especially following a severe weekly correction. Featured image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pixabay . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Tyrese Hunter tossed in a game-high 26 points to lead Memphis to a 99-97 upset victory over No. 2 UConn on Monday in the first round of the Maui Invitational in Lahaina, Hawaii. Hunter, who played at Iowa State and Texas before transferring to Memphis, made eight field goals with 7-of-10 3-point shooting. The Tigers (5-0) connected on 12 of their 22 3-point attempts in the win. The loss ended a 17-game winning streak dating back to last season for UConn (4-1), the two-time defending national champions. UConn's Hassan Diarra made a free throw to cut the Memphis lead to 99-97 with 2.2 seconds left. He intentionally missed the second free throw and collected the loose ball, but his desperation shot was off the mark. It was 92-92 when UConn's Liam McNeeley was called for an offensive foul with 40.3 seconds left. UConn coach Dan Hurley received a technical for arguing the foul call, and PJ Carter made all four free throws to give the Tigers a four-point lead. Memphis, which squandered a 13-point lead with four minutes to play in regulation, received 22 points from PJ Haggerty, 19 from Colby Rogers and 14 from Dain Dainja. Memphis will play the winner of Monday night's game between Colorado and Michigan State in Tuesday's semifinals. UConn will face the loser of that contest. Tarris Reed Jr. had a team-high 22 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for UConn before he fouled out with 3:18 to play. He made 10 of his 13 field goal attempts. Alex Karaban added 19 points for the Huskies. Jaylin Stewart scored a career-high 16 points, Diarra had 12 and McNeeley added 10. UConn trailed 82-79 after Diarra made two free throws with 24.2 seconds to play in regulation. The Huskies then forced a turnover and tied the game on a 3-pointer by Solo Ball with 1.2 on the clock. Although Memphis shot 56.5 percent from the field (13 for 23) and 50 percent from 3-point territory (5 for 10) in the first half, the game was tied 40-40 after 20 minutes. Neither team led by more than six points in the half. UConn received 29 points from its bench in the first half. Reed scored 15 of those points and Stewart supplied the other 14. --Field Level Media1 2 Varanasi: The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) celebrated the ‘Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav ' on the anniversary of Tamil poet Sri Chinnaswami Subramania Bharati , the freedom fighter and visionary scholar and paid tribute to his contribution to Indian language, literature and the nation's Independence. The celebration on Wednesday featured talks, cultural performances and discussions, all centred around promoting diversity and richness of Indian languages and literature. The event was also a platform to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of India's languages and cultural heritage. The highlights included talks by Prof Hemalatha, head of the department of pharmaceutical engineering & technology, lecture on relevance of Bharati's work in Indian languages with focus on his contributions to women's empowerment. Assistant professor in the department of chemistry, E Saravanakumar, explored the influence of Bharati's literary works on modern thought and scientific advancements and highlighted cultural and linguistic heritage of India through Bharati's poetry, sharing some of his impactful poems that continue to resonate with society. IIT (BHU) students recited poems inspired by Bharati's works. The poems, presented in Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, and Bhojpuri, resonated with the ‘Bhashayen Anek, Bhav Ek' (Many languages, one thought) theme, celebrating unity and beauty of languages cherished by Bharati. Dean of student affairs, Prof Rajesh Kumar, highlighted the pivotal role of language in shaping national identity and unity, while IIT (BHU) director Prof Amit Patra delivered the presidential address, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Sri Chinnaswami Subramania Bharati and his visionary thoughts for a prosperous and united India. He emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating India's linguistic and cultural diversity, echoing Bharati's deep commitment to these ideals. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
The holidays are here, and so is Bath & Body Works’ annual Candle Day! For many, this highly anticipated event is the perfect time to take advantage of affordable prices on the brand’s famous, well-scented candles. From soothing Stress Relief scents to festive Christmas-themed options, these candles make thoughtful gifts or a lovely way to aromatize your own home. As Bath & Body Works encouraged on Instagram , “ Set your alarms. Cancel your plans.” Candle Day is one of the biggest events of the year for Bath & Body Works, and shoppers are eagerly preparing to snag their favorite scents at discounted prices. It’s a time when enthusiasts can stock up on popular fragrances or discover new ones. If you’re wondering how to make the most of this event, keep reading to learn how you can save on your favorite candles. A post shared by Bath & Body Works (@bathandbodyworks) What is Bath & Body Works Candle Day? Bath & Body Works’ Candle Day is an annual tradition that takes place in December. This year, 2024, it kicks off on December 6 with early access for reward members. General sales open to the public on December 7 and 8. During this event, shoppers can purchase three-wick candles at a discounted price, often much lower than regular retail prices. The selection includes a wide variety of scents, ranging from popular staples to limited-edition and seasonal fragrances. How Much Are Candles on Candle Day? On Candle Day, Bath & Body Works offers candles for just $9.95 each—a significant discount from their regular price, which typically ranges between $24.95 and $29.95, according to their website . With over 180 varieties available, there’s something for everyone. However, there is a limit of 24 candles per purchase, so make sure to plan ahead if you’re hoping to buy multiple scents. How to Get a Bath & Body Works Candle Day Discount To take advantage of the Candle Day sale, head to your local Bath & Body Works store or shop online. Reward members enjoy exclusive early access, so they get to shop first on the event’s opening day. Whether shopping in-store or online, the sale applies to both, so you can take part from wherever you prefer.Work to enhance smart grid across Pennsylvania will continue through 2029 GREENSBURG, Pa. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Pennsylvania ( FE PA ), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. FE doing business as Met-Ed, Penn Power, Penelec and West Penn Power, has received approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) to implement phase three of its Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plans (LTIIP III) to help ensure continued electric service reliability for more than two million Pennsylvania customers. The plans entail an additional $1.42 billion in capital investment over the next five years across FE PA's service areas with projects designed to reduce the frequency of service interruptions for customers and shorten their duration when they occur. LTIIP III builds on more than $1 billion in investments made during the first two rounds of LTIIP that spanned 2016-2024. Since 2019, the frequency of interruptions a customer experiences over a year has dropped by 14% in areas where LTIIP work has been completed. John Hawkins , FirstEnergy's President of Pennsylvania : "Over the past nine years, our enhancements to the power grid and proactive tree trimming along rights-of-way have yielded positive results. Our tailored improvement plans for each service area align seamlessly with our annual upgrades to the distribution network, helping us deliver the safe and reliable service our customers want and deserve. LTIIP III will further elevate these efforts by rebuilding overhead power lines and integrating more automated technology into our power lines and substations." View photos of some previous LTIIP projects on Flickr . LTIIP III will focus on improving customer service reliability through grid modernization and system resiliency. Grid modernization projects include: Installing protective devices such as automated reclosers and fuses to power lines and building tie lines between power line sections to isolate damage and quickly restore electric service to customers from unaffected parts of the system. Converting lower-voltage power lines to standard voltages to better regulate voltage and provide operational flexibility to reduce the duration of outages. Updating underground networks with new conduits, cable, transformers, vaults, manholes and switches. Replacing aging substation equipment with modern breakers and electronic relays that offer improved monitoring and operational capabilities. System resiliency focuses on strengthening the grid with projects such as: Replacing aging poles and overhead wire. Replacing underground cable nearing the end of its useful life. Selectively placing distribution equipment underground where feasible to enhance reliability. Building new power lines to provide more sources to supply electricity to customers, enhancing operational flexibility. These targeted distribution projects complement each utility's annual tree trimming and vegetation management efforts, which work in tandem to help minimize service interruptions. Expected 2025-2029 LTIIP III investments for each service area are: Penelec – $538 million Met-Ed - $382 million West Penn Power – $368 million Penn Power - $133 million Customers will see no bill impact from LTIIP III in 2025 because first-year program costs are included in FE PA's distribution rate review approved in November by the PUC. LTIIP was authorized by Pennsylvania Act 11, which was approved in 2012 and established a process to encourage electric, natural gas, water and sewer utilities in Pennsylvania to accelerate investments in aging infrastructure and create economic benefits. FE PA anticipates filing additional LTIIPs in future years and is committed to a sound, cost-effective approach that will result in consistent reliability performance. LTIIP III is part of Energize365 , a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments that will deliver the power FirstEnergy's customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow. With planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, the program will create a smarter, more secure and resilient grid that will meet and exceed reliability targets and accommodate electric vehicles, the electrification of homes and businesses and clean energy sources. Met-Ed serves approximately 592,000 customers within 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania . Follow Met-Ed on X @Met Ed and on Facebook at facebook.com/MetEdElectric. Penelec serves approximately 597,000 customers within 17,600 square miles of northern and central Pennsylvania and western New York . Follow Penelec on X @Penelec and on Facebook at facebook.com/PenelecElectric . Penn Power serves approximately 173,000 customers in all or parts of Allegheny , Beaver , Butler , Crawford , Lawrence and Mercer counties in western Pennsylvania . Follow Penn Power on X @Penn_Power , on Facebook at facebook.com/PennPower , and online at pennpower.com . West Penn Power serves approximately 746,000 customers in 24 counties within central and southwestern Pennsylvania . Follow West Penn on X @W_Penn_Power and on Facebook at facebook.com/WestPennPower . FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio , Pennsylvania , New Jersey , West Virginia , Maryland and New York . The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firstenergy-pennsylvania-receives-approval-for-infrastructure-improvement-plans-302336645.html SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Being locked up as a 13-year-old for skipping school negatively altered the trajectory of her life, Debbie Kilroy believes. or signup to continue reading "After I was put in that children's prison and the harm it inflicted on me, it was a downward spiral," she tells AAP. "I was pipelined onto the street of homelessness and then I was committing offences because it was the only way to survive." Ms Kilroy was last sent away in 1989 for six years after selling cannabis to undercover police. A lack of support and education as a child led her down the wrong path, she says, because she "knew nothing else". Now the chief executive of support organisation Sisters Inside, she says incarcerating Queensland's most vulnerable children under new adult crime, adult time laws instead of investing in reform, will only pave the way for a life of crime. "It started because school wasn't engaging me and I was running away from it," she adds. "It doesn't make any sense to me that 50 years later we are talking about doing the same harm." The incoming Liberal National government urgently introduced its controversial Making Queensland Safer legislation to sentence youth criminals to adult punishment if they commit serious offences, dubbed "adult time, adult crime". Children face life for five offences including murder, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm under the centrepiece election commitment. Juveniles as young as 10 will be considered for the same maximum sentence as adults for 13 offences, including car theft doubling to 10 years. The legislation also removes detention as a last resort entirely, meaning magistrates will have more freedom to imprison children if they deem it necessary. For victim survivor Ben Cannon, the laws should have come sooner. "We've got a system that is not broken from a year-long problem," he says. "This is a decade-plus social issue that let down four-year-olds who are now violent 14-year-olds." Mr Cannon came to help his neighbour, rugby union great Toutai Kefu, during a violent home invasion by four teenagers in 2021 where the family was seriously injured. He managed to stop one of the intruders and held the child down until police arrived. "One of the hardest things for me as a victim was to see a young person the same age as my son being so horrifically violent and horrible to another human," he says. "I still question how is it the best choice that person has in life to be in my neighbour's house at 2am trying to stab half a dozen people? "That still haunts me." Mr Cannon says the new government was left with little choice but to introduce harsh laws preventing teenagers engaging in extreme violence or repeatedly stealing cars. "This draws the line in the sand and says, 'enough is enough'," Mr Cannon said. However, he emphasised that it must be balanced to prevent the four-year-olds of today from becoming violent teenagers. "Without balance and understanding that unless we get better at fixing young kids and the social systems that they unfortunately fall into, we're going to continue on this cycle," he says. "Then it doesn't matter how tough our laws are, we're just not going to have a better society." Mr Cannon says he wants the laws to be accompanied by significant investment in social services and education. The proposed laws have been criticised after a statement of compatibility by Attorney-General Deb Frecklington indicated the legislation doesn't stack up against human rights. "I acknowledge that the amendments in the bill ... are incompatible with human rights," she said. "However, I consider that the current situation with respect to youth crime in Queensland is exceptional." The government has conceded that the laws would increase the number of children in detention centres and watchhouses as well as disproportionately impact Aboriginal children. "This impact results in limitations to the protection from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment," the statement said. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child slammed what it said was a violation of international convention. "We do not agree that the so-called 'exceptional circumstances' warrant what will be a flagrant disregard for children's rights," Chair Ann Skelton said. "We also don't agree that it will make Queensland safer." Ms Skelton urged the government to stand by the principle that children should be treated differently from adults. Ms Kilroy says the concession that human rights will be breached under the laws is a "disturbing departure" from the foundations of justice and equity. "It is a dangerous bill that represents a dangerous escalation in criminalising children and contravening human rights." During parliamentary scrutiny this week, stakeholders have also criticised the legislation as making children "sacrificial lambs" while knowingly violating freedoms. "In any other context that is called child abuse," Queensland Human Rights Commission Chair Scott McDougall told a public hearing. Not only were the laws criticised but the short consultation period, consisting of two public hearings and several days of private committee hearings, also came under fire. Ms Kilroy notes that the government holds a majority in the state's unicameral legislature and can pass laws as it wishes. "There are no checks and balances, no accountability," she says. But Mr Cannon insists they needed to be rushed. "When you've sat with someone that in the darkness of night had their loved one murdered by one of these repeat offenders then urgencies needed," he says. "Whether we get it right, time will tell. "But you can't continue to allow these behaviours to go on." Premier David Crisafulli argues that his government was following the democratic process by allowing submissions and committee scrutiny but must uphold its election promise to pass the laws by Christmas. "Any good committee process can allow people to have a suggestion but just to be clear, we campaigned on adult crime, adult time," he said. "We will fulfil that." The steadfast campaign to pass the laws comes as the Department of Youth Justice reports there were 46,130 court-recorded convictions by young Queenslanders in 2023-24. Violent offending - murder, manslaughter, serious assault - has increased 8.3 per cent since 2019. Mr Cannon says the laws mark a moment for victims, who finally feel heard. "It has felt for a long time the justice system has had an imbalance where the rights of the criminal have been overseen or seen first before that of the victim," he says. But Ms Kilroy sees the laws as a "full frontal attack" on the most vulnerable children, especially Aboriginal kids. She says the children themselves are victims but the government has not included them in the rhetoric of "victim numbers" instead deciding to throw kids into prison without support. "Locking up children for longer is never going to work as it does not give any healing to the victims and children are the victims," she says. "This is just fuelling our love affair with caging children." She is instead calling for funding for services like Sisters Inside to re-engage kids with education, get them into jobs, reconnect with their families and communities or just give them food and water. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. 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Advertisement AdvertisementInvestors Following Housing Sentiment May Consider Direxion's NAIL ETF
The Director of Ukraine’s National Museum of History, Fyodor Androshchuk, who went missing during a work trip to the EU, has said he was a Swedish citizen who, in fact, was on a business trip to Ukraine, according to local media. In an interview with Ukrainskaya Pravda published on Thursday, Androshchuk claimed he had submitted his resignation three months ago. Verkhovna Rada deputy Solomiya Bobrovska wrote on Facebook this week that Androshchuk, who went on a business trip abroad, had not returned as expected by September 20. ”Apparently, he used his other citizenships for their intended purpose (why he has them at all is another question), went on a business trip to Italy and Sweden, and, according to the response to my parliamentary appeal, ‘got lost’ at the opening of an exhibition in Lithuania,” Bobrovska posted. She further appealed to the country’s Minister of Culture Nikolay Tochitsky and asked him to take immediate decisions regarding the missing museum chief. Reacting to the accusations, the Kiev-born Androshchuk claimed that his stay in Ukraine was temporary and subject to a contract with the ministry, which in turn was notified about his Swedish citizenship and, he claims, knew that “my home was there.” “Therefore, in fact, I am not in Sweden on a business trip, but in Ukraine. I live permanently in Sweden, not in Ukraine,” he explained. According to Androshchuk, his work at the museum was a “humanitarian aid” to Ukraine. “The fact that [the museum] works during the war, also earns money for the state and became famous in the world is thanks to my Swedish citizenship and my name, not Ukrainian,” he emphasized. 54-year-old Androshchuk is not the first Ukrainian to go on a work trip abroad and fail to return to the country. In March, Ukrainian ballet dancers, including two men of conscription age, disappeared during a tour of Finland, their theatre company reported at the time. In another such case, a popular Ukrainian TV host Aleksey Pechiy decided not to return home last December after a trip to Brussels, where he was covering an EU summit. He said it was a “difficult decision” to stay in the EU to promote “Ukraine’s agenda” in the media. Kiev declared a general mobilization in February 2022, barring most men between 18 and 60 from leaving the country. Recruitment has been marred by widespread bribery and draft-dodging, with some Ukrainians trying to flee the country at all costs, even at a serious risk to their lives. Social media is filled with videos of military patrols trying to catch eligible men in the streets, shopping malls, and gyms, often resulting in clashes. This spring, faced with manpower shortage at the front, Kiev lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 and significantly tightened mobilization rules.
Shares of network equipment maker Ciena ( CIEN 15.45% ) soared on Thursday morning, following the release of a mixed earnings report paired with bullish guidance targets . The price jump peaked at 21.9% near 10 a.m. ET, cooling down to a 15% gain three hours later. Mixed results and bullish guidance Wall Street's consensus estimates for Ciena's fourth-quarter report pointed to adjusted earnings of roughly $0.65 per share on $1.1 billion in top-line revenues. Earnings fell 28% year over year to $0.54 per share while sales held almost perfectly steady at $1.12 billion. So the headline numbers were a mixed bag, but that wasn't the whole story. Inspired by rising market demand for high-speed optical networking solutions, Ciena CEO Gary Smith highlighted the long-term opportunities of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) processing. As a result, Ciena now expects annual revenue growth of approximately 10% over the next three years, up from a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% in the last three years. A richer product mix raised costs in Q4 2024 The company ended fiscal year 2025 with an unfilled order backlog of $2.1 billion, up from $1.9 billion three months earlier. Ciena has all the market action it can handle and is revising its supply chain to make sure it can meet this explosive AI demand. The soft bottom-line earnings resulted from a larger-than-usual write-off of obsolete and unsellable products, as Ciena's catalog moved away from older and slower products in favor of high-speed gear -- the kind enterprise customers with ambitious cloud and AI businesses prefer. The company also stepped up its selling and marketing budgets to take advantage of the incoming business opportunities. Ciena's stock has now gained 89% in 52 weeks, outperforming the stock market and 25 of the 30 large companies in the communications equipment sector. The shares aren't cheap at this point, but Ciena supports its lofty valuation with muscular growth projections.Preferred Bank Announces Additional Q4 Expense
https://arab.news/4yxue RIYADH: From protecting its growing digital infrastructure to exporting cybersecurity technologies and expertise, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key player in addressing global cyber threats. The Kingdom has made significant strides in developing its technology infrastructure, a key pillar of its Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil. This digital transformation has been accompanied by a comprehensive approach to online safety – including the adoption of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which focuses on creating a secure digital landscape that supports rapid technological advancements. “The growth of Saudi Arabia’s tech infrastructure has substantially enhanced its cybersecurity capabilities,” Sohil Mohamed, director, cyber risk advisory lead at Alvarez & Marsal told Arab News. He praised the National Cybersecurity Strategy, saying that it prioritizes resilience, secure digital landscapes, and trust. This strategic approach ensures that Saudi Arabia’s technological growth is supported by adaptive risk management and dynamic defense mechanisms. In addition to the government’s efforts, the private sector has also played a critical role in building a secure digital ecosystem. The expanding cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia As one of the fastest-growing markets in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity sector is valued at approximately SR13.3 billion. This rapidly expanding market offers substantial opportunities for public-private partnerships, particularly in developing advanced cybersecurity solutions and creating new business models for commercial involvement. Additionally, the Saudi government’s focus on digital transformation and cybersecurity has opened new avenues for investment. “Key areas of focus include the development of advanced cybersecurity solutions, engagement in public-private partnerships, and contributions to national initiatives such as the Cybersecurity Catalyst Program spearheaded by the National Cybersecurity Authority,” Mohamed said. These initiatives are driving a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to strengthen the Kingdom’s cyber resilience. Saudi Arabia’s investment in the sector also positions it as a key player in the global cybersecurity market. The government has partnered with international organizations and cybersecurity firms to enhance its capabilities and bolster the country’s readiness to handle large-scale cyber threats. This proactive stance is evident in Saudi Arabia’s role as host of major events, such as the Global Cybersecurity Forum, which brings together industry leaders. Sohil Mohamed, director, cyber risk advisory lead at Alvarez & Marsal. Supplied Protecting national infrastructure – a key priority Critical Information Infrastructure Protection has become a top priority for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to secure vital sectors, such as energy, finance, and transportation, from cyber threats. The Kingdom has experienced several high-profile cyberattacks, most notably the Shamoon attack in 2012, which targeted Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy companies. This incident underscored the importance of building robust cybersecurity measures to protect national assets. Saudi corporations are increasingly focused on quantifying the economic impact of potential cyberattacks, particularly in industries that form the backbone of the national economy. “Saudi corporations are progressively implementing sophisticated risk assessment tools and methodologies to quantify the economic impact of cyber threats,” Mohamed said. He explained that this includes evaluating potential financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage from cyber incidents. Additionally, cyber insurance is becoming a critical tool for mitigating risks. This provides financial protection against potential cyberattacks and promotes the adoption of best practices across industries. The growing reliance on cyber insurance reflects the increased awareness among Saudi businesses of the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures. Exporting cybersecurity expertise and technology Saudi Arabia’s progress in cybersecurity is not only benefitting the Kingdom but also positioning it as a global leader capable of exporting expertise and technologies. The National Cybersecurity Authority has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations and creating platforms for knowledge sharing. Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Academy provide advanced training to professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to address both domestic and international challenges. Alvarez & Marsal’s Mohamed said: “By leveraging its robust cybersecurity frameworks and strategic partnerships, Saudi Arabia can offer tailored cybersecurity services and solutions to other regions. Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Academy by the NCA.” This capacity for exporting cybersecurity solutions will allow Saudi Arabia to play a critical role in addressing global online threats. Moreover, the Kingdom’s strategic location and status as a regional economic hub make it a key player in cybersecurity across the Middle East and North Africa region. Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. Its experience in managing threats and building resilient digital infrastructure has positioned it as a leader in this space. The Kingdom’s efforts to protect its critical infrastructure are seen not just as a defensive necessity but also as a key pillar in positioning the Kingdom as a leader in global cybersecurity. Vision 2030 has been a central driver of this transformation. Events such as the Global Cybersecurity Forum have cemented Saudi Arabia’s leadership position. File Samer Omar, cybersecurity and digital trust leader at PwC Middle East, highlighted to Arab News how the Kingdom’s digital growth has shaped its cybersecurity strategy. “Saudi Arabia has achieved fourth place globally in the digital services index, first regionally, and second among G20 nations. The rapid advance in technology has increased the digital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, which in turn has further increased its exposure to cyber-attacks,” Omar said. He added: “In response, the Kingdom has successfully orchestrated a combination of regulations, investments, and awareness which has propelled most sectors to adopt a proactive security by design approach.” This proactive approach allowed Saudi Arabia to secure the highest ranking possible in the UN Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, a reflection of the Kingdom’s investment in a secure digital future. Omar pointed out that Vision 2030 has accelerated the investment in human capital to build critical national capability and aid nationals in attaining key cybersecurity skills and certifications. He also emphasized the vital role Vision 2030 plays in safeguarding the Kingdom’s critical sectors, particularly energy, finance, and smart cities, which are integral to the nation’s economy. “Saudi Arabia faces compelling challenges in these critical sectors due to the complex infrastructure, creating a potentially vulnerable and vast attack surface for adversaries,” Omar said. Omar noted Saudi Arabia’s determination to not only secure its own digital landscape but also position itself as a cybersecurity leader on the global stage. This leadership is exemplified by initiatives like the Global Cybersecurity Forum, which Omar describes as “a unique ecosystem and platform that is actively engaging with leading bodies such as the World Economic Forum,” thus shaping the future of cybersecurity well beyond the Kingdom. Addressing the cybersecurity talent gap Saudi Arabia has been proactively addressing the shortage of cybersecurity talent by heavily investing in capacity-building programs supported by both public and private sectors. “There are an estimated 19,600 Saudi cybersecurity professionals with 32 percent of them being female,” Omar said. He continued: “In addition, most major universities have cybersecurity education and training including Capture The Flag competitions, and all the major cybersecurity technology vendors provide training on their products and services.” These efforts are integral to the country’s broader vision of strengthening its digital infrastructure under Vision 2030. A secure future According to Omar, the cybersecurity industry in Saudi Arabia is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative and robust regulatory frameworks. “NCA released a report this year that estimates the size of the cybersecurity market to be SR13.3 billion with 31 percent of the spending from the public sector and the remaining 69 percent from the private sector,” he said. Omar went on to say: “Some analysts estimate the cybersecurity CAGR to be between 11 percent to 13 percent.” This is due to Vision 2030, which serves as a catalyst for developing the digital ecosystem, Omar explained, emphasizing the strategic role of the initiative in shaping the country’s cyber transformation.Saudi Arabia emerging as global cybersecurity guardian: digital expertsSince then, business titans, political giants and global film stars have all been among those ringing the opening bell at the NYSE. Ronald Reagan rang the bell as president in 1985. Billionaire businessman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. have also rung the bell. The list even includes famous Muppets: Miss Piggy was once a bell ringer. President-elect Donald Trump joined that list Thursday when he opened trading at the famous stock exchange on Wall Street. He was accompanied by his wife, Melania, who interestingly enough received the honor before her husband. As first lady, she rang the bell in 2019 as part of her “Be Best” program. Bell-ringers are more commonly founders and executives chosen primarily from the exchange's more than 2,300 listed companies. Over the last few months, the guests have included executives from Alaska Air Group, Bath & Body Works, and Ally Financial. Stock trading around the location of the NYSE's current home has deep roots that trace back to the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam and when Wall Street had an actual wall. The NYSE traces its direct roots to the “Buttonwood Agreement” signed in 1792, which set rules for stock trading and commissions. The NYSE moved into its first permanent home in 1865. The first bell in use was actually a gong. The exchange moved into its current iconic building in 1903 and started using an electronically operated brass bell. That has evolved into synchronized bells in each of the NYSE’s four trading areas.
NoneToo young for , too old in the eyes of employers, withering their nest eggs away to claim meagre Jobseeker benefits - that is or signup to continue reading According to Anglicare data, 54,540 Australians aged 65 or older claimed Jobseeker benefits as of August this year. Under current regulations, only those who own $314,000 or less in assets can claim jobseeker payments. Anglicare general manager Kasy Chambers said many older Australians were being forced to "spend down" their assets to scrape by week to week. Ms Chambers said older jobseekers faced significant employment barriers, including ageism and limited mobility due to wear and tear injuries. "We've been hearing from people for years who simply feel that they are getting shoved around because they're in their words 'too old,'" she said. "People are being told that they wouldn't be able to keep up with the environment or that their skills might not be up to it.". Ms Chambers said the average Job Seeker spent three years on benefits, and older Australians took longer to find employment. Compounding the issue is changing eligibility criteria surrounding the Disability Support Pension. Ms Chambers said many who would once have qualified for disability support were now classified as jobseekers with partial capacity to work. According to data, 30 per cent of jobseekers are older than 55, while 43 per cent only have a partial capacity to work. Ms Chambers said there was an enormous overlap between these two groups, with many older job seekers having limited capacity due to wear and tear injuries. Benefits for single jobseekers with no children are just $778 a fortnight. Over-55s who have been on continuous income support for nine months or more or workers with reduced capacity receive $833.20 a fortnight. Ms Chambers said an increasing number of older Australians, including people on pensions, are seeking emergency relief services such as food parcels, rent assistance, and help paying bills and utilities. "What we're seeing is a larger number of older people who are renting their accommodation, who don't own their own homes and that is just super tight when they're on the age pension." According to the data, there are currently 33 people looking for work for every entry-level job on the market. Ms Chambers said more creation of entry-level jobs and employment services to help people find work are needed, particularly in regional areas. She said more investment is needed to help the unemployed become more job-ready and create employment opportunities that better meet the needs of older job seekers. Hi, my name is Rowan Cowley and I'm a reporter for The Senior newspaper. I have special interests in the areas of entertainment, the arts and history and would like to hear from anyone who feels they have a good story idea. Hi, my name is Rowan Cowley and I'm a reporter for The Senior newspaper. I have special interests in the areas of entertainment, the arts and history and would like to hear from anyone who feels they have a good story idea. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
Don Lemon spars with TikToker over ‘President Musk’ accusation: ‘We don’t trust you’
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