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Courage, commitment and passion were all in evidence at Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) fifth graduation ceremony, which marked the academy’s biggest cohort to date. EFTA also announced the launch of an Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licencing Training (Aeroplane) on the back of the academy’s recognition as an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) by the UAE National Qualifications Centre (NQC). The graduation ceremony was headlined by Emirates Airline, and Group Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Group’s senior leadership team, graduates, their families and friends, and the academy’s faculty and cadets. Sheikh Ahmed congratulated and presented certificates to the cadet graduates. He said: “Our Emirates Flight Training Academy was built on a vision and a solid strategy, and its journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring, even thrilling. The recognition by the NQC validates our commitment and our robust investments in our academy that is future-fit for the next generation. “EFTA plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of pilots, not just for the industry in the UAE but for world aviation, creating a steady and talented pilot pipeline. It’s incredible that we are training, developing and empowering young adults to drive the future of aviation – right here in Dubai. I am confident our graduates will make their mark in shaping the future of our industry. Congratulations to the class of 2024.” After months of rigorous training on the ground and in the skies, 85 bright and talented cadets are now fully equipped to take on every aviator challenge. The cohort includes 67 UAE national and 18 international cadets. Since EFTA’s launch, 271 cadets have been transformed from school leavers with no knowledge of flying to world-class professional pilots. EFTA also honoured four cadets for their exceptional performance throughout the year. EFTA Divisional Vice President Capt. Abdulla Al Hammadi said: “We have witnessed not just a graduation ceremony, but the fulfilment of many collective dreams. After countless hours of hard work, challenges and accomplishments, our cadets have proven they are ready to conquer the skies. They have come far – both personally and professionally – and EFTA is proud to see them step into a world full of opportunities with their new and richly deserved wings. Congratulations to our graduates.” “Our new Advanced Diploma in Pilot Licencing Training will be available to all EFTA graduates and will provide a strong academic foundation for future professional pilots, complementing the exceptional practical skills they’ve developed with us. At EFTA, we continue to elevate aviation education and prepare the next generation of skilled aviators, further supporting the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and strengthening the UAE’s aviation industry.” The diploma, with 94 credit hours, paves the path for cadets to obtain Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from any university. Every cadet in the class of 2024 completed around 113 weeks of training with over 1,100 hours of ground-based and 270 hours of flight training. Located in Dubai South, the academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft to train cadets with no previous knowledge of flying. This year marked a brand new chapter in EFTA’s international journey as the academy is well on its way to achieving European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation in early 2025. With this, cadets who graduate from EFTA will receive both a GCAA and a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) licence, opening doors to exceptional career opportunities worldwide.
René Bennett | (TNS) Bankrate.com If you’re an iPhone user, you might not realize that you already have access to Apple Cash. It’s a digital cash card that’s built into Apple devices and can be found in the default Wallet app. (Note: You must link an eligible debit card to use this service.) The main function of Apple Cash is to make it easier for Apple device users to send money to one another, including sending money through the iMessage app. But Apple Cash is more than just a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases. Apple Cash is a convenient way to transfer money between friends and family. Once it’s set up, a user can simply open the iMessage app and send money to a contact through their chat. It’s also useful for those who use Apple Pay, a separate service that allows Apple device users to make contactless payments with any linked card, including an Apple Cash card. Here are some important things to know about setting up and using Apple Cash. Apple Cash is a digital cash card that’s stored in the Wallet app of Apple devices, and it can be used for making P2P payments, as well as purchases through Apple Pay. When you receive money from another Apple Cash user, that money appears in your Apple Cash balance. The balance can then be spent or transferred to a linked bank account or debit card. Sending money to peers with Apple Cash can be done either directly from the digital Apple Cash card (in the Wallet app) or through the iMessage app. You can send or receive anywhere between $1 and $10,000 per message. The money shows up on the recipient’s Apple Cash card instantly, but it may take from one to three days for the balance to be transferred to a bank account. Instant transfers to a bank account are possible, but it comes with a 1.5% fee. There’s also an option to set up Apple Cash Family for children who are under 18 years old. This option limits the amount a child can send to $2,000 per message. Those younger than 18 also cannot add money to their Apple Cash card from a bank account; rather, their balance only grows when they receive money from another Apple Cash user. Apple Cash is a digital card within your Wallet that allows you to spend your Apple Cash online, in stores and in apps as well send and receive money. Apple Pay, however, allows you to make purchases using any credit card or debit card you have stored in your Wallet — including Apple Cash. With Apple Pay, you add credit and debit cards to your Wallet and then have the ability to pay right with your phone (or other Apple product). To set up Apple Cash, you’ll need three things: —A compatible Apple device. —Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID (this can be done in Settings). —An eligible debit card to load funds onto the Apple Cash card. In the Settings app, you can turn on Apple Cash in the Wallet and Apple Pay section. Tap on the Apple Cash card icon and follow the instructions on the screen. You’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions, after which your device will set up Apple Cash for you. The Apple Cash card, once set up, can be found in your device’s Wallet app. If you want to set up Apple Cash Family, you’ll first need to have Family Sharing turned on, which can be done in Settings. The family organizer can add children to Apple Cash in the Family Sharing section of Settings. You’ll need to have a debit card linked to your digital Wallet to add money to an Apple Cash card. You can add a debit card to Wallet in the same place where you set up Apple Cash — the Wallet and Apple Pay section of Settings. Once a debit card is linked to your Wallet, open Wallet and tap on the Apple Cash card. Then, tap the More button (an icon with three dots). This will open a page where you can see your Apple Cash balance, add money and transfer funds to a bank account. Tap Add Money and enter the amount you’d like to add (the minimum is $10). You’ll be asked to confirm which debit card you want to use to fund the Apple Cash balance, and then the money is added to the Apple Cash card. There are two ways to send a payment to someone using Apple Cash: directly from your Wallet or in the iMessage app. Both the sender and recipient need Apple Cash to send or receive money. To send money from Wallet, simply tap the Apple Cash card in Wallet and then tap Send. Type in the contact name or phone number of the recipient. Enter the amount you’d like to send (between $1 and $10,000), then review the payment and confirm it with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. In iMessage, open the conversation with who you’d like to send money to, or start a new one. Tap on the app button, which appears next to the type bar, and then tap on the Apple Cash icon. You’ll be prompted to enter an amount (between $1 and $10,000). Once you’ve reviewed the amount, tap Send and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. The first time money is sent to someone, the recipient will need to accept the payment within seven days for it to go through. After the first instance, payments are automatically accepted. If you’re using Apple Cash to make a purchase either online or in a store, you’ll need to pay using Apple Pay. To request money from your iPhone, open the conversation in the Messages app. Tap the plus icon, followed by Apple Cash. Then, tap Request. Tap the send button to send your payment request. Once the request is sent, the person you sent it to can confirm or change the amount they send to you. You can also request money from your Apple watch. Open your messages app, choose a conversation, tap the plus icon and then choose Apple Cash. Once you enter the amount you are requesting, swipe left on the Send button. Tap Request. As you start to accumulate money on the Apple Cash card, you may want to move it to a debit card or a bank account . This can be done by going to the same place where you added funds to the card, by clicking the icon with three dots next to your digital card. Related Articles Slash your bills with a phone call: 7 pro negotiating tips 3 ways to earn an extra $500 for the holidays What’s new for Medicare in 2025? Homeownership is getting unaffordable for the middle class Home sellers and buyers: What you must know for 2025 Enter an amount to be transferred, then tap Next. You’ll be asked whether you want to do an instant transfer (for a 1.5% fee) or a transfer in one to three business days for free. After making a selection, the screen will instruct you to set up a bank account if you don’t already have one set up. You’ll confirm the payment, and the transfer is initiated. Instant transfers can only be made to an eligible debit card, not a bank account. Money is sent within 30 minutes when you select instant transfer. —Zelle: If your bank is offers Zelle, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the P2P payment service. Zelle can be accessed directly from your bank’s mobile app, and it allows you to send instant transfers at no extra cost. —Venmo: Anyone can use Venmo, as long as they’ve downloaded the app. Unlike Apple Cash or Zelle, it’s a standalone P2P payment app. Venmo comes with a social element — users can follow each other and add fun emojis to their payments, although they can also keep their account activity private. —PayPal: This P2P payment service is a good option if you want to send money internationally. It also offers a PayPal Debit card, which, like the Apple Cash card, can be used to make purchases online or in stores. —Samsung Pay Cash: Samsung device users can use this option instead of Apple Cash. Similar to Apple Cash, it is a digital wallet that you can access from a Samsung mobile device. However, to take full advantage of Samsung Pay Cash, users will need to undergo an extra registration process to upgrade to a Full Card Account. Apple Cash makes it easy for Apple device users to send money to each other. Users can simply tap the Apple Cash icon in their text messages to send money through iMessage. It can also be used as an extra repository for spending money and can be used for purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. With that said, only Apple device users can send and receive money using Apple Cash, so those looking for a more universal payment service may want to consider other P2P payment apps . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
TORONTO — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said Monday. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders with the United States. He said on social media last week that he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, attended a dinner with Trump and Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Friday. Trudeau requested the meeting in a bid to avoid the tariffs by convincing Trump that the northern border is nothing like the U.S. southern border with Mexico. “The prime minister of course spoke about the importance of protecting the Canadian economy and Canadian workers from tariffs, but we also discussed with our American friends the negative impact that those tariffs could have on their economy, on affordability in the United States as well,” LeBlanc said in Parliament. If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said last week that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on the threat. After his dinner with Trump, Trudeau returned home without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. “The idea that we came back empty handed is completely false,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very productive discussion with Mr. Trump and his future Cabinet secretaries. ... The commitment from Mr. Trump to continue to work with us was far from empty handed.” Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice to be his national security adviser. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.” Hillman, who sat at an adjacent table to Trudeau and Trump, said Canada is not the problem when it comes to drugs and migrants. On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments. “Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. She said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.” Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security.None
House passes $895 billion defense policy bill with pay raise for troops, sending measure to Senate
F.P. Report ISLAMABAD: Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, to publicly declare that he does not recognize Israel. Speaking at the Solidarity with Palestine Million March on Sunday at Jinnah Avenue, New Blue Area, Hafiz Naeem criticised the prevailing political system, stating that whenever a government is ousted or takes power, they seek support from the United States (U.S). He also pointed out that this trend extends to those who are imprisoned or those seeking release, highlighting the tendency to seek approval from the U.S. for such matters. He specifically urged Imran Khan to show solidarity with Hamas and publicly denounce the state of Israel. The JI supremo further stated that while the U.S. possesses thousands of missiles, it continues to impose sanctions on Pakistan’s missile technology. He emphasised that the nation had sacrificed to develop nuclear weapons, which are vital for the protection of both Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah. He criticised political parties that seek approval from the U.S. to imprison and release individuals, highlighting the need to ensure democratic freedoms for the people. Hafiz Naeem also condemned the U.S. as a “terrorist nation” and argued that Pakistan could never achieve prosperity while under America’s influence. He pointed out that the U.S. labels those who resist its imperialism as terrorists and imposes its own version of democracy. He further stated that Israel could not fight groups like Hamas, as it targets innocent children, and that Israel’s expansionist goals now reach beyond Palestine, with plans involving Syria, Lebanon, and even Medina. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader referenced Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had described Israel as an illegitimate child of the West.” He also expressed his support for the oppressed Palestinian people, noting that Gaza faces harsher cold conditions than Islamabad, with two million people living in camps. He condemned Israel’s actions as genocide, having killed 46,000 people, and criticised the U.S. for supporting this “open terrorism.” Hafiz Naeem pointed out that the indifference of most Muslim countries, except a few, towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict further strengthens Israel’s position. He concluded by reaffirming that Israel cannot stand against the resistance of Muslim fighters, adding that Israel’s aggression would eventually be defeated.
The rain that had been falling over Kelowna stopped for a few hours on the evening of Nov. 20, while a group of people gathered in Stuart Park to remember those who have been killed in acts of anti-trans violence over the last year. Over the last year, there have been 350 reported deaths of transgender, gender non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks worldwide. , to remember a woman who was killed in an anti-trans attack. The annual vigil was held by the vice president of the 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy and inclusion-based organization. a resource for transgender, non binary and gender non-conforming people said in a statement that as visibility queer communities increase, so too has there been an "observable rise in misinformation about trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary (TTNB) people and gender-affirming care." The prevalence of misinformation has impacted the degree to which anti-trans backlash is experienced, particularly for trans-feminine and racialized TTNB folks, said Trans Care BC in an article on the Day of Remembrance. At the vigil, McWatters made a point of noting that the hundreds of names that were read to the group gathered in Stuart Park is likely not complete, and does not include the names of those who died by suicide due to a lack of social acceptance. "This is an opportunity to have a solemn event to acknowledge that the world is not always that kind, and that transphobia and violence against transgender people exists. It is to remember those that we lost and to move forward and to make the world a better place," said McWatters. At the vigil, several people shared stories of times they have been berated and feared for their lives in public because they were not conforming with social gender norms. One person shared that last week a vehicle yelled derogatory comments and swerved towards them while they were walking because they were wearing lipstick. Multiple people, ranging from teenagers to people in their 60s, shared stories about how they have considered self-harm after being shamed for expressing their gender identity. McWatters encourages people to reach out to Advocacy Canada, herself or support groups if they want to speak with someone. She also encourages allies to check-in and stand up for their friends. An easy way for allies to demonstrate support is to use inclusive language and respect people’s pronouns and chosen names. People looking to get involved, find community or step up as an ally are encouraged to visit or to learn more.If you’re an iPhone user, you might not realize that you already have access to Apple Cash. It’s a digital cash card that’s built into Apple devices and can be found in the default Wallet app. (Note: You must link an eligible debit card to use this service.) The main function of Apple Cash is to make it easier for Apple device users to send money to one another, including sending money through the iMessage app. But Apple Cash is more than just a service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases. Apple Cash is a convenient way to transfer money between friends and family. Once it’s set up, a user can simply open the iMessage app and send money to a contact through their chat. It’s also useful for those who use Apple Pay, a separate service that allows Apple device users to make with any linked card, including an Apple Cash card. Here are some important things to know about setting up and using Apple Cash. Apple Cash is a digital cash card that’s stored in the Wallet app of Apple devices, and it can be used for making P2P payments, as well as purchases through Apple Pay. When you receive money from another Apple Cash user, that money appears in your Apple Cash balance. The balance can then be spent or transferred to a linked bank account or debit card. with Apple Cash can be done either directly from the digital Apple Cash card (in the Wallet app) or through the iMessage app. You can send or receive anywhere between $1 and $10,000 per message. The money shows up on the recipient’s Apple Cash card instantly, but it may take from one to three days for the balance to be transferred to a bank account. Instant transfers to a bank account are possible, but it comes with a 1.5% fee. There’s also an option to set up Apple Cash Family for children who are under 18 years old. This option limits the amount a child can send to $2,000 per message. Those younger than 18 also cannot add money to their Apple Cash card from a bank account; rather, their balance only grows when they receive money from another Apple Cash user. Apple Cash is a digital card within your Wallet that allows you to spend your Apple Cash online, in stores and in apps as well send and receive money. Apple Pay, however, allows you to make purchases using any credit card or debit card you have stored in your Wallet — including Apple Cash. With Apple Pay, you add credit and debit cards to your Wallet and then have the ability to pay right with your phone (or other Apple product). To set up Apple Cash, you’ll need three things: —A compatible Apple device. —Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID (this can be done in Settings). —An eligible debit card to load funds onto the Apple Cash card. In the Settings app, you can turn on Apple Cash in the Wallet and Apple Pay section. Tap on the Apple Cash card icon and follow the instructions on the screen. You’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions, after which your device will set up Apple Cash for you. The Apple Cash card, once set up, can be found in your device’s Wallet app. If you want to set up Apple Cash Family, you’ll first need to have Family Sharing turned on, which can be done in Settings. The family organizer can add children to Apple Cash in the Family Sharing section of Settings. You’ll need to have a linked to your digital Wallet to add money to an Apple Cash card. You can add a debit card to Wallet in the same place where you set up Apple Cash — the Wallet and Apple Pay section of Settings. Once a debit card is linked to your Wallet, open Wallet and tap on the Apple Cash card. Then, tap the More button (an icon with three dots). This will open a page where you can see your Apple Cash balance, add money and transfer funds to a bank account. Tap Add Money and enter the amount you’d like to add (the minimum is $10). You’ll be asked to confirm which debit card you want to use to fund the Apple Cash balance, and then the money is added to the Apple Cash card. There are two ways to send a payment to someone using Apple Cash: directly from your Wallet or in the iMessage app. Both the sender and recipient need Apple Cash to send or receive money. To send money from Wallet, simply tap the Apple Cash card in Wallet and then tap Send. Type in the contact name or phone number of the recipient. Enter the amount you’d like to send (between $1 and $10,000), then review the payment and confirm it with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. In iMessage, open the conversation with who you’d like to send money to, or start a new one. Tap on the app button, which appears next to the type bar, and then tap on the Apple Cash icon. You’ll be prompted to enter an amount (between $1 and $10,000). Once you’ve reviewed the amount, tap Send and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. The first time money is sent to someone, the recipient will need to accept the payment within seven days for it to go through. After the first instance, payments are automatically accepted. If you’re using Apple Cash to make a purchase either online or in a store, you’ll need to pay using Apple Pay. To request money from your iPhone, open the conversation in the Messages app. Tap the plus icon, followed by Apple Cash. Then, tap Request. Tap the send button to send your payment request. Once the request is sent, the person you sent it to can confirm or change the amount they send to you. You can also request money from your Apple watch. Open your messages app, choose a conversation, tap the plus icon and then choose Apple Cash. Once you enter the amount you are requesting, swipe left on the Send button. Tap Request. As you start to accumulate money on the Apple Cash card, you may want to move it to a debit card or a . This can be done by going to the same place where you added funds to the card, by clicking the icon with three dots next to your digital card. Enter an amount to be transferred, then tap Next. You’ll be asked whether you want to do an instant transfer (for a 1.5% fee) or a transfer in one to three business days for free. After making a selection, the screen will instruct you to set up a bank account if you don’t already have one set up. You’ll confirm the payment, and the transfer is initiated. Instant transfers can only be made to an eligible debit card, not a bank account. Money is sent within 30 minutes when you select instant transfer. —Zelle: If your bank is offers Zelle, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the P2P payment service. Zelle can be accessed directly from your bank’s mobile app, and it allows you to send instant transfers at no extra cost. —Venmo: Anyone can use Venmo, as long as they’ve downloaded the app. Unlike Apple Cash or Zelle, it’s a standalone P2P payment app. Venmo comes with a social element — users can follow each other and add fun emojis to their payments, although they can also keep their account activity private. —PayPal: This P2P payment service is a good option if you want to send money internationally. It also offers a PayPal Debit card, which, like the Apple Cash card, can be used to make purchases online or in stores. —Samsung Pay Cash: Samsung device users can use this option instead of Apple Cash. Similar to Apple Cash, it is a digital wallet that you can access from a Samsung mobile device. However, to take full advantage of Samsung Pay Cash, users will need to undergo an extra registration process to upgrade to a Full Card Account. Apple Cash makes it easy for Apple device users to send money to each other. Users can simply tap the Apple Cash icon in their text messages to send money through iMessage. It can also be used as an extra repository for spending money and can be used for purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. With that said, only Apple device users can send and receive money using Apple Cash, so those looking for a more universal payment service may want to consider . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
– Jason Baker took to social media to comment on making Rhea Ripley’s protective mask for Survivor Series: WarGames. Baker, who created Bray Wyatt and Uncle Howdy’s masks, designed and created the mask Ripley used at Saturday’s PPV through his Callosum Studios company. He posted to Twitter about the mask, writing: ““Even in Hell, Mami is always on top!” Protective mask for @RheaRipley_WWE #survivorserieswargames. Sculpted and painted by me. Such a unique challenge incorporating Rhea’s actual protective face mask into something elaborate and still functional. A huge thank you to my awesome crew who worked a 14hr shift with me on Thanksgiving Day to make sure we made our quick turnaround deadline.” “Even in Hell, Mami is always on top!” Protective mask for @RheaRipley_WWE #survivorserieswargames . Sculpted and painted by me. Such a unique challenge incorporating Rhea’s actual protective face mask into something elaborate and still functional. A huge thank you to my awesome... pic.twitter.com/z4qGD2IYZJ — Jason Baker (@bakingjason) December 1, 2024 – The WWE Vault YouTube account has released the full June 7th, 2010 Raw match between John Cena and CM Punk:
Spain finds itself at the heart of a growing labour market conundrum. Despite an unemployment rate of 11.2% and over 2.5 million people seeking work, the country faces a record-breaking number of unfilled jobs. Experts warn that unless structural changes are implemented, this mismatch could have dire consequences for Spain’s economy. Spain’s job vacancies surge to record highs in 2024 Labour market analysts project that the number of unfilled positions in Spain will reach 153,000 by the third quarter of 2024—a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. In 2023, the figure stood at 148,000, marking a 50% surge since 2019 when there were just over 100,000 vacancies. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Second major blaze in same day, Costa del Sol Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Mijas collapsed by accident on A7 Waterpark in flames, Torremolinos Despite this dramatic rise, Spain’s vacancy rate remains the lowest in the EU at 0.9%, significantly lagging behind the European average of 2.6%. However, the problem is far from superficial. Recruitment challenges are hitting critical sectors, particularly hospitality, transportation, and healthcare, where shortages of workers such as waiters, drivers, and nurses are jeopardising business operations and public services. Key reasons behind Spain’s rising job vacancies Skills mismatches : Many unemployed workers lack the qualifications required for available roles. Unattractive positions : Jobs with low pay, tough conditions, or instability struggle to attract applicants. Demographic shifts : An ageing workforce means fewer younger workers are entering demanding professions. Economic Fallout : What Does It Mean for Spain’s Future? The labour shortage is not just a numbers issue—it’s an economic one. In 2023 alone, the 148,000 unfilled vacancies are estimated to have cost the Spanish economy over €8 billion in lost GDP. This figure could triple if the trend continues unchecked, threatening Spain’s economic stability amid rapid demographic ageing. Key sectors, such as construction, transport, and hospitality, are particularly vulnerable. Employers report struggles to find qualified staff, forcing many businesses to scale back operations or reject new contracts. Spain’s strategy: Immigration reforms to tackle workforce gaps Faced with this mounting crisis, the Spanish government is stepping in with reforms aimed at easing labour shortages. Among the most notable measures is an overhaul of immigration laws, designed to bring up to 900,000 foreign workers into the labour force by 2026. Key initiatives include: Simplified visa procedures for foreign jobseekers. Extended job search permits for immigrants already in Spain. Support for training programs to upskill the domestic workforce. These measures not only aim to tackle staff shortages but also ensure the sustainability of Spain’s social security system. Foreign workers’ contributions are critical, particularly as Spain’s pension demands surge with retiring baby boomers. Spain’s vacancy crisis exposes deeper structural flaws in its labour market, from ageing demographics to a misalignment between skills and job requirements. While government efforts to attract foreign talent and modernise immigration laws are promising, they may not be enough to address the root causes. The challenge ahead is clear: bridging the gap between unfilled jobs and a workforce in need of opportunities. Failure to do so risks not only economic stagnation but also a long-term erosion of Spain’s global competitiveness. Find more news about SpainReal-life ‘invisibility cloak’ one step closer — scientists unveil cutting-edge camouflage material
VANCOUVER — A family of killer whales has made a rare trip into waters off downtown Vancouver for what an expert says was likely a "grocery shopping" hunt for harbour seals. Video shared on social media by False Creek Ferries shows the whales cruising past highrise towers at the entrance to False Creek on Sunday. The captain of the ferry, Jack Hemsworth said the passengers on board were stunned as the whales' dorsal fins cut through the surface. He put the engine into neutral as the whales glided by. “I've never been that close, even on like a whale watching tour,” said Hemsworth, adding that at one point, the whales passed within five feet of his little vessel, which was crossing from the West End in Vancouver to Kitsilano Beach. The boats in the ferry fleet are only about 20 feet long -- smaller than most adult orcas. Andrew Trites, director of the University of British Columbia's marine mammal research unit, has identified the whales as a family group of transient orcas consisting of a mother and her three offspring. Trites said the video shows the whales moving quietly like "ghosts" to avoid alerting their prey. "They're on the hunt, and so they don't want to make a big splash about it. They want to come in very stealthy-like, as though they weren't even there," said Trites. "I'm sure there were hundreds of people walking along the seawall that day and they didn't even notice and these people aboard the boat, they had a very special moment they will remember for the rest of their lives." He said it's the first time the 26-year-old mother orca, known as T35A, has shown up in downtown Vancouver with her children aged six, 11 and 14. Trites said the well documented family has previously been seen by marine researchers from Alaska to the Strait of Juan de Fuca south of Vancouver Island. He attributes the pod's surprising downtown appearance to seals also changing their habits as they hide from orcas, forcing killer whales to hunt in backwater areas like False Creek. Killer whales have previously been spotted in False Creek, including in 2019, and in 2010 a grey whale swam all the way to the end of the inlet, near Science World. Trites said researchers are hearing more reports of killer whales being seen in places where they've never been seen before. He said the behaviour captured on the video suggests the whales didn't catch anything. Trites said the sighting was an indication of the recovered health of the Salish Sea, saying it was "in a state that we haven’t seen it for over a century." He likened it to living next to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. “It's a very healthy, vibrant system ... we've seen humpback whales come back. We've seen our seal numbers recover and stabilize," he said. "We see killer whales here every single day now and when I first came to B.C., I hardly ever saw a seal, never saw killer whales in here and it's all changed." In 2021, the B.C. government estimated there were 206 "mature" transient orcas in the province's coastal waters, while U.S. authorities have put the total population at about 350. The species is designated as threatened, meaning they are likely to become endangered without interventions. But Trites said the population was growing, in association with the recovery of prey species, such as the Steller sea lion. As a marine researcher who has been through many encounters with killer whales, Trites said those aboard the ferry should feel privileged. "They are magical experiences," he said. Hemsworth, who has worked for False Creek Ferries since 2019, agreed. “I'm sure they shared all those videos with their friends and family, and it's nothing that they're gonna forget anytime soon,” he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Nono Shen, The Canadian Press
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49ers attempt to bounce back and boost their postseason chances as they visit Green BayNEW YORK (AP) — Smartmatic won't be required to give Fox News a trove of information about U.S. federal charges against the voting machine company's co-founder over alleged bribery in the Philippines, a judge ruled Thursday. Fox News and parent Fox Corp. sought the information to help fight Smartmatic's $2.7 billion defamation suit over broadcasts about the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Smartmatic says its business was gutted when Fox aired false claims that the election-tech company helped rig the voting. Fox says it was simply reporting on newsworthy allegations made by then-President Donald Trump and his allies. At the same hearing, Judge David B. Cohen also turned down Smartmatic's request to question two Fox Corp. board members. The company has already questioned others. The Aug. 8 indictment of Smartmatic co-founder Roger Piñate and two other executives concerns a geographically distant matter: Smartmatic's efforts to get work in the Philippines between 2015 and 2018. But Fox maintains the criminal case is pertinent to Smartmatic's business prospects, and therefore to the election-tech company's claims about what it lost and stands to lose because of Fox's 2020 coverage. “As of Aug 8, governments will have to take into account the risks of doing business with a company (where some executives have been) accused of serious corruption by the U.S. Department of Justice," Fox lawyer Brad Masters told a New York court Thursday. He asked the court to order Smartmatic to provide any documents that it has given to the DOJ for the bribery investigation; any customer inquiries about the criminal charges; and any staff communications about the matter and its impact on the company. The indictment accuses Piñate and two other Smartmatic executives of scheming to pay over $1 million in bribes to a Filipino election official to deploy the company's machines and pay promptly for them. Federal prosecutors say the payments were made through sham loan agreements and via a slush fund created by overcharging for the machines. Piñate, who has served as Smartmatic’s president, and at least one of the other executives have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and to money laundering. It’s unclear from court records whether the third executive has entered a plea or has an attorney who can comment on the charges. Boca Raton, Florida-based Smartmatic itself isn’t charged in the criminal case. The company put the executives on leave and sought to reassure voters that elections are “conducted with the utmost integrity and transparency.” Smartmatic's lawyers contend the indictment is irrelevant to the defamation suit, which is about election-fraud claims that Trump's attorneys made on Fox News programs. The indictment is “merely an allegation,” Smartmatic attorney Caitlin Kovacs argued Thursday. She suggested Fox wanted to “play prosecutor to the jury” and “accuse Smartmatic of a crime that they didn’t commit.” Cohen denied two similar requests from Fox while the federal investigation was ongoing. He said Thursday that the indictment didn't change his mind. “It’s a mere accusation. It raises no presumption of guilt,” he said. Smartmatic is suing over shows in which Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell portrayed the company as part of a broad conspiracy to steal the 2020 vote from Trump, a Republican and the winner of this year's election. Federal and state election officials , exhaustive reviews in battleground states and Trump’s own then-attorney general found no widespread fraud that could have changed the outcome of the 2020 election. Nor did they uncover any credible evidence that the vote was tainted. Dozens of judges, including some whom Trump appointed, rejected his fraud claims. Fox News ultimately aired an interview with an election technology expert who refuted the allegations against Smartmatic. As is normal in the run-up to a civil trial, various players connected to both parties have been questioned under oath by the other side's lawyers. These out-of-court sessions are called depositions. Smartmatic wanted Thursday to get depositions ordered for Fox Corp. board members Chase Carey and Roland Hernandez. The two attended meetings where critical decisions were made, Smartmatic argues. Fox lawyer Devin Anderson said there's no indication that Carey and Hernandez “have any relevant information” to add. Smartmatic already has questioned other board members, including Executive Chair and CEO Lachlan Murdoch and former House Speaker Paul Ryan, as well as Fox founder Rupert Murdoch, the attorney said. Depositions generally aren't made public at this stage of a case. Smartmatic lawyer Erik Connolly said after court that the company was pursuing other information to show “that Fox Corp. controlled the disinformation spread by Fox News.” A message seeking comment was sent to Fox. The news network is countersuing Smartmatic , claiming the defamation case violates a New York law against baseless suits aimed at squelching reporting or criticism on public issues. Smartmatic recently settled defamation suits against One America News Network and Newsmax . Fox News settled for $787 million last year with another voting-technology company, Dominion Voting Systems.