'Absolute necessity': Trump sparks concerns after floating desire to control Panama Canal, Greenland
Schmicko Sydney Expands Its Services To Cover Whole of Sydney and Its Suburbs 12-27-2024 11:18 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Schmicko is setting new standards in mobile care services across the city. Schmicko Registered Sydney has finally announced the expansion of its services in the Sydney City center area to cover the whole of Sydney and its suburbs instead. Widely regarded as the number one provider of mobile car care services in Sydney, Schmicko Registered Sydney provides a comprehensive range of car care services, from superior car detailing and paint protection to secure hardwired dash cam installations. Their nanotechnology ceramic coating and graphene paint protection, combined with our car window tinting, which is available in both carbon and ceramic tints, are becoming increasingly popular. Best known for flawless Auto detailing, Window tinting, Car Roof Lining Repairs, Car Window Tinting, Ceramic Car Coatings, and Dash Cam Installation, an add-on service that installs mobile dash cam hardwired directly to the fuse box, Schmicko Registered Sydney boasts of experienced professionals who ensure highest quality care, using top-of-the-line products and proven techniques. Each of their department has its own set of specialized technicians, which means every client is guaranteed to receive their own personalized specialist best fitted to the job. In the words of one of their company's representatives, "Customers love our products and services, so we are expanding our area to cover the whole of Sydney so everyone in the city can take advantage. When it comes to auto detailing, nobody does it better, and now everyone in Sydney can access our team of auto cleaning and repair specialists." As evident, Schmicko Registered Sydney currently serves areas of The Hills District, South West Sydney, Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore, Parramatta, Castle Hill, Penrith, Hornsby, Blacktown, Inner West, Hunters Hill, Eastern Suburbs, Sutherland Shire Council, North Sydney, Canterbury, Vaucluse, Gladesville, Bondi, and Kellyville, in addition to Sydney. To learn more, please visit https://schmicko.com.au/sydney/ . For updates, follow Schmicko Registered Sydney on Social Media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetschmicko Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schmicko_auto/ YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@schmicko2996 Find Schmicko Registered Sydney on Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/43LCAmm Media Contact Company Name: Schmicko Registered Sydney Contact Person: David Bui Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=schmicko-sydney-expands-its-services-to-cover-whole-of-sydney-and-its-suburbs ] City: Sydney State: New South Wales Country: Australia Website: http://schmicko.com.au/sydney This release was published on openPR.Wall Street topped off a global share rally in thin trade on Thursday as markets prepared for early Christmas Eve closes, while the dollar was buoyed by firmer Treasury yields and speculation that the Federal Reserve would slow its easing in 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was 0.47% higher in late morning trade, the S&P 500 rose 0.73% and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.99%. U.S. stock trading wraps up at 1:00 p.m. EDT/1800 GMT, and the bond market closes at 2:00 p.m. Most financial centers around the world are closed on Wednesday for Christmas. The U.S. reopens on Thursday, while many financial centers have a second day off. "Meagre news and data flow should keep the focus on a more hawkish Fed," said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank. MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe went up more than half a percent. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.18%. Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.19% and France's CAC 40 rose 0.14%. German stocks were closed for the Christmas holiday. In Asia, Chinese stocks rose after sources told Reuters that Beijing planned to issue a record amount of special treasury bonds next year as it ramps up fiscal stimulus to revive a faltering economy. The CSI300 blue-chip index and Shanghai Composite Index both ended 1.3% higher. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index advanced 1.1%. The news came shortly after China's finance ministry said authorities would ramp up fiscal support for consumption next year by raising pensions and medical insurance subsidies for residents, as well as expanding consumer goods trade-ins. Still, investors remain cautious on the outlook for the world's second-largest economy, particularly as it faces the threat of hefty tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Elsewhere, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.37%. FED FOCUS Investors are taking direction from last week's 25 basis point Fed interest rate cut, its signals on the strength of the economy and its slow progress bringing inflation down to its 2% target. Markets are now pricing in about 35 basis points of easing for 2025, implying one quarter-point rate cut and around a 40% chance of a second. U.S. Treasury yields pared gains after the Treasury saw solid demand for a $70 billion sale of five-year notes, but remained higher on the day. The two-year Treasury yield , which is sensitive to changes in Fed rate expectations, was up 0.9 bp at 4.359%, while the benchmark 10-year yield rose 2.6 bp to 4.625%, reaching a seven-month high at 4.629%. "Like markets, the Fed will need to consider U.S. policies on tariffs and immigration in its inflation and growth outlook. We believe the subtle slowing in the U.S. labor market will still be the Fed's paramount concern," said analysts at Citi Wealth. "While always uncertain, our base case expectation for a 3.75% policy rate is unchanged. It's a far cry from the 1.7% U.S. policy rate average of the past 20 years." The Fed's cut was the third one this cycle, taking the Fed funds rate to 4.25%-4.5%. Ahead of Trump's return to the White House in January, global central banks have urged caution over their rate paths due to uncertainty on how his planned tariffs, lower taxes and immigration curbs might affect policy. Data on Monday showed U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly weakened in December as the post-election euphoria fizzled and concerns about future business conditions emerged. In currencies, the dollar index rose 0.14% hovering near a two-year high hit Monday, having climbed more than 2% in December so far. The euro eased 0.15% to $1.0389, while the yen languished near last week's five-month low, trading at 157.35 per dollar. Japan's Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato on Tuesday reiterated Tokyo's discomfort with excessive foreign exchange moves and put speculators on notice that authorities are ready to act to stabilise a faltering yen. Spot gold rose 0.13% to $2,616.26 an ounce, having risen about 27% this year, heading for its biggest yearly gain since 2010. U.S. crude rose 1.56% to $70.32 a barrel and Brent rose to $73.73 per barrel, up 1.51% on the day. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US stocks are rising near records and adding to last week’s gains. The S&P 500 was 0.1 per cent higher, as of 12:56 p.m. Eastern time, and sitting a bit below its all-time high set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones added 286 points, or 0.7 per cent, to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite was 0.1 per cent higher. Wall Street has kicked off the week with more gains. Credit: AP The Australian sharemarket is set to edge higher, with futures at 4.54 pointing to a rise of 12 points, or 0.1 per cent, at the open. The ASX added 0.3 per cent on Monday. Treasury yields also eased in the bond market amid what some analysts called a “Bessent bounce” after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager, to be his Treasury Secretary. Bessent has advocated for reducing the US government’s deficit, which is how much more it spends than it takes in through tax and other revenue. Such an approach could soothe worries on Wall Street that Trump’s policies may lead to a much bigger deficit, which in turn would put upward pressure on Treasury yields. After climbing above 4.44 per cent immediately after Trump’s election, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell back to 4.30 per cent Monday, down from 4.41 per cent late on Friday. That’s a notable move, and lower yields help make it cheaper for all kinds of companies and households to borrow money. They also give a boost to prices for stocks and other investments. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks the market’s expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do with overnight interest rates, also slid. The Fed began cutting its main interest rate just a couple of months ago from a two-decade high, hoping to keep the job market humming after bringing high inflation nearly all the way down to its 2 per cent target. But immediately after Trump’s victory, traders reduced bets for how many cuts the Fed may deliver next year. They were worried Trump’s preference for lower tax rates and higher spending on the border would balloon the national debt. On Monday, traders went back to increasing their bets for the number of cuts possible in 2025, according to data from CME Group. A report coming on Wednesday could influence how much the Fed may cut rates. Economists expect it to show that an underlying inflation trend the Fed prefers to use accelerated to 2.8 per cent last month from 2.7 per cent in September. Higher inflation would make the Fed more reluctant to cut rates as deeply or as quickly as it would otherwise. Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle expects that to slow by the end of next year to 2.4 per cent, but he said inflation would be even lower if not for expected tariff increases on imports from China and autos favored by Trump. In the stock market, Bath & Body Works jumped 14.8 per cent after delivering stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The seller of personal care products and home fragrances also raised its financial forecasts for the full year, even though it still sees a “volatile retail environment” and a shorter holiday shopping season this year. Much focus has been on how resilient US shoppers can remain, given high prices across the economy and still-high interest rates. Last week, two major retailers sent mixed messages. Target tumbled after giving a dour forecast for the holiday shopping season. It followed Walmart, which gave a much more encouraging outlook. Another big retailer, Macy’s, said Monday its sales for the latest quarter were in line with its expectations, but it will delay the release of its full financial results. It found a single employee had intentionally hid up to $US154 million ($237 million) in delivery expenses, and it needs more time to complete its investigation. Macy’s stock fell 3.3 per cent. Among the market’s leaders were several companies related to the housing industry. Monday’s drop in Treasury yields could translate into easier mortgage rates, which could spur activity for housing. Builders FirstSource, a supplier or building materials, rose 6.8 per cent for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500. Among homebuilders, D.R. Horton climbed 6.1 per cent, PulteGroup added 5.9 per cent and Lennar rose 5.5 per cent. In stock markets abroad, indexes moved modestly across much of Europe after finishing mixed in Asia. In the crypto market, bitcoin was trading around $95,300 after threatening to hit $100,000 late last week for the first time. AP The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each we e kday afternoon .
The summer of 1979 featured disco in the nightclubs, “Saturday Night Fever” on the radio, and long lines at the gas pumps, where prices were high and supply was short. High unemployment, inflation and the energy crisis engendered by foreign oil producers crippled the country. The 444 days of the crisis when a newly revolutionary Iran took and held American hostages, coupled with the deaths of eight servicemen in a botched rescue attempt, had begun. In 1980, Russia invaded Afghanistan, and the U.S. response was a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Confidence in the American way of life waned and convinced many Americans that the man in the White House, Jimmy Carter, was inept, unlucky or both. His approval rating plummeted to a record low as a recession and a growing perception of weakness took hold. It was a crushing blow to an administration that began with promise and optimism. “The tragedy of Jimmy Carter is that his fourth year was disastrous,” Robert A. Pastor told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was a Carter adviser and professor of international relations at American University before his death in 2014. “The number of setbacks that occurred ultimately set the stage for his defeat and has colored the way people look at Jimmy Carter,” said Pastor. “And it has prevented them from appreciating what he did do.” Carter rose from relative obscurity to the presidency in two years, with the help of his family and the Peanut Brigade, friends from Georgia who knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors across the U.S. to vouch for him face-to-face with Americans. He offered “a government as honest as the people,” after the national embarrassment of President Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal. Carter’s first three years in office yielded “extraordinary accomplishments,” Pastor says. The president brokered the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian Prime Minister Anwar Sadat. That led to the two foreign leaders winning the 1978 Nobel Peace Prize. He normalized relations with China and made human rights a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Carter signed the Panama Canal treaty, established the departments of energy and education, and vastly expanded national parks and recreation areas and preserves, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — one of metro Atlanta’s favorite green spaces. Carter — as a Democrat — deregulated airlines, transportation, financial institutions and lifted sanctions on actions such as the home brewing of beer, which eventually led to America’s craft-brewing boom. Definitively, he cut oil imports by half in an effort to free the nation from energy dependence on foreign nations. That dependence had become frighteningly clear from an oil embargo by OPEC nations, which had jacked up fuel costs, caused shortages and hamstrung a faltering economy. Carter tried to address the economic and other problems in what came to be known as the “malaise” speech, even though he never uttered that word. His fifth major address on the energy crisis, the speech was complex, preachy and prescient. The speech was well received until, as historian Douglas Brinkley noted in a PBS documentary, “it boomeranged on him” with a series of following events. In the speech, he asked American’s to return to their roots of optimism and faith in democracy and each other. He described an erosion in trust among neighbors and a gridlocked government beholden to special interests as a “crisis of confidence.” “In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close-knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption,” he said. “Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. But we’ve discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. We’ve learned that piling up material goods cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose.” Carter urged a new age of limits and sacrifice. “The solution of our energy crisis can also help us to conquer the crisis of the spirit in our country,” he said. To some, it came across as more of a sermon from the life-long Baptist Sunday school teacher than a presidential address. A week later, Carter asked his entire Cabinet to resign, a poorly managed house-cleaning that suggested the White House was falling apart. Many came to believe that Carter — not the loss of vision and hope by the American people — was the problem. As the economy’s fluttering drift continued, the former Navy engineer was criticized as being a micro-manager and more interested in the process of setting up policy than he was in producing effective ones. He had to fend off attacks of being too much of a D.C. outsider to get much done inside the Beltway, and he suffered other inside attacks for being too conservative for the liberal wing of his party. And when he ran for reelection, he was challenged in his own Democratic primary by U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, which made matters worse. A year later, Ronald Reagan defeated Carter in a landslide. Carter returned to Plains to lick his wounds and begin the long work that 24 years later would earn him the Nobel Peace Prize. Carter admitted his mistakes as president three decades after leaving the White House, but said he didn’t regret what he did. “I never have felt discouraged or disappointed when I look back at those four years,” he told TV interviewer Charlie Rose during a media tour in 2010 to promote his book “White House Diary.” To “60 Minutes” reporter Lesley Stahl he said, “I think I was identified as a failed president because I wasn’t reelected.” Carter told interviewers that his proudest achievement was that “all the hostages in Iran came home alive.” They were released moments after Reagan took the oath of office. If he could do anything differently, he has said, he would have sent one more helicopter in an attempt to rescue the hostages. Three of the eight helicopters failed, causing the mission to abort. The botched rescue further entrenched his perception of ineptitude. He was tagged as weak “because I didn’t bomb Iran,” he told Rose. His biggest mistake? “Not becoming a trusted and supported leader of the Democratic party,” he told Rose. “I ran as an outsider,” he recalled. “I rode the wave of dissatisfaction with the government.” “Americans were discouraged and embarrassed,” as he ran for president, he told Rose. The Vietnam War had just ended, Richard Nixon had resigned the presidency after Watergate. The country had witnessed the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Americans were cynical and deeply distrustful of government. “I capitalized on the displeasure of the American people,” he said. But as president, he also pursued an aggressive agenda to right the ship that confused voters and alienated lawmakers. He had big and futuristic ideas, but some analysts said he struggled to explain those to voters in ways that resonated with them. Reagan took office, welcomed home the U.S. hostages from Iran, and removed the solar panels that Carter had installed on the roof of the White House. Carter went on after his presidency to establish a continuing life on the world stage through his work at the Carter Center, eradicating diseases, brokering peace between warring nations, ending hunger, fighting for the environment and human rights without the constraints of having to answer to a voters, a political party or Congress. He and his wife Rosalynn, blessed with long lives, persisted in the work for more than 40 years. Rosalynn Carter died at age 96 on Nov. 19, 2023. The former president died at age 100 on Dec. 29, 2024. In his book “Sources of Strength” he wrote that one should not concentrate on the number of years one might have left, “at best, life is short, and its duration is unpredictable.” Instead, he wrote, use whatever time you have to make life meaningful. “I feel at ease with history,” he told a USA Today interviewer in 1986. “I feel that our record will stand the test of time.” ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Playoff hopes in the balance when the Broncos face the Bengals in Cincy( MENAFN - GetNews) Recognition highlights Brazos Home Care's unwavering commitment to serving veterans and seniors with top-tier care services. Bryan, TX - Brazos Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care services, has been honored with the prestigious Reader's Choice Award. This award recognizes the company's exceptional dedication to providing high-quality home care for veterans in Bryan, TX. The award reflects Brazos Home Care's commitment to serving the local community with compassion and excellence, especially seniors and veterans who require specialized care. “At Brazos Home Care, our mission has always been to serve the veterans and seniors of Bryan with the respect, dignity, and care they deserve,” said Robert Palmarez, owner of Brazos Home Care.“This award is a testament to our team's hard work, and we are deeply honored. Our community's commitment to veterans and seniors is stronger than ever, and we will continue to ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being in their homes.” The Reader's Choice Award highlights Brazos Home Care's role as a trusted source of home care services. Their tailored care plans, which include everything from daily living assistance to specialized medical needs, have significantly impacted the lives of veterans and seniors. Brazos Home Care's focus on maintaining independence, improving quality of life, and providing compassionate service has set them apart in Bryan's home care industry. For families considering care options for their veteran loved ones, home care is essential in ensuring they receive the personalized attention they deserve. Veterans often face unique health challenges that stem from their time in service, such as post-traumatic stress, mobility issues, or chronic conditions. Home care offers a safe, comfortable environment where these individuals can receive assistance tailored to their needs without sacrificing independence. One significant benefit of home care is its ability to provide one-on-one attention. In contrast to facility-based care, where the attention is divided among multiple patients, in-home caregivers can dedicate their time to understanding the veteran's specific needs. This personalized care helps manage complex health conditions, ensuring seniors receive proper medication, therapy, and support in a familiar environment. Home care is not just about health needs; it's also about enhancing emotional well-being. Many veterans experience feelings of isolation, especially if they are dealing with physical limitations or cognitive challenges. Having a caregiver who can provide companionship, help with daily activities, and engage them socially can make a significant difference in their mental health. Families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and supported emotionally. Brazos Home Care continues to be the go-to provider for families in Bryan, TX, who are looking for expert home care for veterans in Bryan, TX . To learn more about Brazos Home Care and their services, please visit their website at About Brazos Home Care: Brazos Home Care is a trusted provider of in-home care services in Bryan, TX, dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors and veterans. With a team of compassionate and skilled caregivers, Brazos Home Care offers personalized care solutions that ensure independence and comfort at home. The company is committed to providing the highest level of service, making it a recognized leader in the home care industry in Bryan. MENAFN24122024003238003268ID1109028527 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Welcome to Streaming Rewind, a weekly breakdown of the new and noteworthy as we work to help readers wade through the absolute deluge of television series and movies in the streaming space. Welcome to Christmas and New Years limbo, where the time is made up and the date doesn’t matter. There’s a limited number of releases this week, because Hollywood typically just shuts down for the last month of the year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few surprises. The Beyoncé Bowl (Netflix) If you’re not a football fan, you may not have known that Beyoncé did a halftime special for the Ravens vs. Texans game on Christmas (that’s right, Netflix does football now too). In said special, she performed some of the songs from her Cowboy Carter album live for the very first time. If you’re a member of the Beyhive who wasn’t willing to sit through a football game to watch Queen Bey perform, Netflix released a stand-alone special of the performance today. And, for those wondering, Netflix did, indeed, manage to host two whole live events on Christmas day without its typical buffering issues. Squid Game is Back for Round 2 (Netflix) It’s been a Netflix week! The highly anticipated second season of Squid Game finally dropped, ironically resulting in many across the industry working during Christmas and continuing the trend of Netflix completely missing the point of the series . Reviews have been mixed due to it being painfully obvious that Seasons 2 and 3 were meant to be one complete story rather than split in half, but our critic Shannon Miller liked the season . If you’ve already finished your binge, check out how Squid Game’s Season 2 ending sets up Season 3 . The Order (On Demand) Nicholas Hoult has yet another film out on demand, this time alongside Jude Law and Jurnee Smollett. The film’s been met with early acclaim, and is based on a true story (and adapted from Kevin Flynn’s novel The Silent Brotherhood) centered on a string of bank robberies in the Pacific Northwest. You may have seen it during its brief theatrical run when it released on December 6 but, if you missed it, it’s available for purchase now. New and Notable: Gladiator II — December 24 (On Demand) Y2K — December 24 (On Demand) Doctor Who Christmas Special — December 25 (Disney+)Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term. With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.Fun Ville unveils latest destination at Abu Sidra Mall
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having his prostate removed on Sunday, his office said, a procedure that comes as he manages multiple crises at once, including the ongoing war in Gaza and his own trial for alleged corruption, AP reported. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for 75-year-old Netanyahu is among a cohort of older world leaders, including 82-year-old outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, 78, whose health and physical fitness are under deep scrutiny both at home and abroad because of their advanced age and the effect that could have on their leadership, as per a report on Associated Press. Netanyahu, who has had a string of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month he boasted about working 18-hour days, even if those long hours are accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could also take a toll on his well-being. The procedure has already had a fallout: Netanyahu’s lawyer Amit Hadad said in a letter to the court the Israeli prime minister would be fully sedated for the procedure and would be hospitalized for “a number of days," asking that his three days of testimony this week be canceled. The court agreed. Netanyahu's office said that Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close Netanyahu ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. With so much at stake in the turbulent region, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. 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The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics but a procedure on Sunday will remove his prostate. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms about the procedure and was not involved in Netanyahu's care or treatment. He said that an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can then lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors will likely perform an endoscopic surgery, which is carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making any surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. Golan also said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without any significant limitations. FAQs Q1. How old is Benjamin Netanyahu? A1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 75-year-old. Q2. What is Donald Trump's age? A2. Donald Trump's age is 78. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Englishman Davis scores late to rescue point for Udinese and Lecce steals win at VeneziaBLOOMINGTON — Illinois Wesleyan University is partnering with For A Better Tomorrow to host the second STEAM Olympics Competition. The competition will be available to local students in first grade through high school for the multi-day event from Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2. The event will take place at the Center for Natural Sciences, 201 E. Beecher St. in Bloomington, and will feature more than 10 activities in technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to offer hands-on learning with 3D printing, art workshops, essay writing, science and math tests, as well as a science fair. Registered participants and their families will also have access to optional laboratory tours on Illinois Wesleyan and Illinois State university campuses to witness real-world applications of STEAM fields. “New workshops have been added — including the design-a-thon, speech and debate, and the STEAM Quest — each designed to challenge participants and celebrate their talents,” said Dakesa Piña, vice president of inclusion excellence at IWU. Piña is leading the event in partnership with For a Better Tomorrow, which is a Bloomington-based organization that strives to promote social justice through philanthropy and nurturing future generations of servant leaders within the community. "We had 235 registrations and 128 students who participated in the inaugural STEAM Olympics. This is a testament to the need for such an event in our community and the quality of volunteers who brought their enthusiasm to the planning," said Sambisvarao Gurijala, 2025 STEAM Olympics co-chair. The STEAM Olympics will conclude with an award ceremony and keynote address, with medals presented to the top scorers in each grade. The school with the most medals will win a championship trophy and cash prize. Proceeds will benefit both IWU and FBT to support various initiatives, including grants for local and global projects for FBT and needs-based scholarships for IWU students who are actively involved with social justice and community engagement. Registration is available at forbettertomorrow.org/steam . Early registrations are available at a discounted price until Dec. 31. Participation will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Event fees will be waived for individuals with financial barriers. For more information about the STEAM Olympics or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Sam Gurijala at sambasiva306@gmail.com or 309-838-5254. The festival raises money For a Better Tomorrow, which helps children and the needy local and abroad Contact Kaitlyn Klepec at (309) 820-3345. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Courts and Public Safety Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Expressing concerns over the escalating situation in West Asia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that India has been in regular touch with both Israel and Iran to "advocate constraints" and "enhance communication" in an attempt to resolve the conflict between both countries. In his opening remark at the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, Italy, the Foreign Minister reiterated India's strong condemnation of terrorism, and the abduction of hostages by Hamas, and affirmed support for reaching a ceasefire. Jaishankar, however, also emphasised the need to abide by international humanitarian law and called large-scale civilian casualties "unacceptable." ALSO READ: Israel Nears Ceasefire Deal With Lebanon: Netanyahu Gives In-Principle Nod | What’s Next? "Today I focus my remarks on the conflicts. The situation in the Middle East is obviously deeply concerning, both for what has happened and what may still come. India unequivocally condemns terrorism and hostage taking. It also regards large-scale civilian casualties in military operations to be unacceptable. International humanitarian law cannot be disregarded in immediate terms. We should all support a ceasefire," EAM Jaishankar said. "India favours a two-state solution. Our concerns have also been increasing on the widening of the conflict. We have been in regular touch with both Israel and Iran at the highest levels to advocate restraint and enhance communication," he added. Jaishankar further expressed India's willingness to contribute to meaningful International diplomatic endeavours. Shifting his focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the EAM emphasised "serious destabilising consequences" including the challenge faced by the Mediterranean. He reiterated India's stand on the situation and said that the disputes in this era cannot be settled by war but only through dialogue and diplomacy. "Addressing the conflict in Ukraine is the other urgent imperative of our times. It is well into its third year. The continuation of this conflict has serious destabilising consequences, including for the Mediterranean. What is clear is that no solution is going to emerge from the battlefield. India has consistently held the view that disputes in this era cannot be settled by war. There must be a return to dialogue and diplomacy. The sooner the better. This is a widespread sentiment in the world today, especially in the Global South," Jaishankar said. He further noted PM Modi's efforts with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to find common ground in an attempt to end the nearly three-year-long conflict. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally engaged leaders of both Russia and Ukraine to this end. this has included his visit to Moscow and Kyiv. Our senior officials remain in continuous touch. We firmly believe that those who have the ability to explore finding common ground must step up to that responsibility," Jaishankar said. Jaishankar further called for a "closer and stronger" relationship between India and the Mediterranean in the new era of "re-globalising, rebalancing and multi-polarity." "We are today on the threshold of a new era. It is one of re-globalising, rebalancing and multi polarity. It is also a more technology-centred future with a premium on the mobility of talent and greener growth. Opportunities in this world are as indivisible as anxieties. A closer and stronger relationship between India and the Mediterranean will serve both of us," he added. The External Affairs Minister is on a three-day official visit to Italy during which he will participate in the Outreach Session of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, where India has been invited as a guest country. He also inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome on Sunday. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)The Weight Of Words & The Art Of Silence
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WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling , as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. "Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a visit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Vienna, Va., on Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) Susan Walsh Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them. Many consumers may remember receiving their first credit card, either years ago in a plain envelope, or months ago from a smartphone app. Still other consumers may remember their newest card, maybe because it's the credit card they're now using exclusively to maximize cash back rewards or airline miles. But for most consumers, there's also a murky in-between where they add, drop and generally accumulate credit cards over time. Over the years, consumers may close some credit card accounts or leave some of their credit cards dormant as a backup form of payment, or perhaps left forgotten in a desk drawer. In the data below, Experian reveals the changes in consumers wallets in recent years. Average Number of Cards Has Declined Since 2017 U.S. consumers, on average, carry fewer cards today than they did in 2017, when the typical wallet held 4.2 active credit cards. As of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, consumers carried 3.9 cards on average. This average is up slightly since the early days of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their average credit card debt and number of accounts as the economy slowed. Canva As Experian revealed earlier this year, credit card balances are still climbing, despite (and partially because of) higher interest rates. And while average balances are increasing, they are spread across fewer accounts than in recent years. Alternative financing—including buy now, pay later plans for purchases—may account for at least some of this discrepancy, as consumers gravitate toward these newer financing methods. Residents of More Populous States Have More Credit Cards on Average In general, residents of higher-population states tend to carry more credit cards than those who live in states with fewer and smaller population centers. Nonetheless, the difference between the states is relatively small. Considering that the national average is around four credit cards per consumer, the four states with the fewest cards per consumer (Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming) aren't appreciably different, with "only" about 3.3 credit cards per consumer. Experian Similarly, the four states on the higher end of the scale where consumers have 4.2 or more credit cards are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Older Consumers Have More Active Credit Cards on Average The disparity in average credit card counts is more apparent when the population is segmented by age, thanks in part to Generation Z, many of whom have yet to receive their first credit card. The average number of credit cards for these consumers was two, less than half of what older generations keep on hand. Experian The average number of credit cards held by each generation follows the familiar pattern seen in credit card balances, which tend to increase in a consumer's middle age. It's not surprising that the number of credit card accounts follows a similar climb throughout young adulthood and middle age, then drops off in the retirement years. How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many? No matter how many credit cards you may have at the moment, keep in mind that the number of accounts has little if any bearing on one's FICO Score. Far more important is how consumers manage those accounts. This is easily demonstrable by quickly stepping through some of the factors that affect your credit scores . Utilization and amounts owed: Credit card issuers extend credit to consumers in the form of a credit limit. Generally, the lower a consumer's credit utilization, or balance compared with credit limit, the better. Keeping credit utilization ratios under 30% can lessen the negative impact credit card balances have on scores, and those with the highest credit scores tend to have credit utilization ratios in the low single digits. Conversely, carrying balances that begin to approach one's credit limits may have adverse effects on credit scores. Delinquencies and payment history: As important as managing balances is, making payments on existing accounts has an even greater impact on scores. Even a single delinquency (late payment) may have an adverse effect on your credit score, no matter how few or many credit card accounts you have. Average age of accounts: This is the only credit score factor where the number of cards one carries may influence their credit score. However, even here, keeping older credit cards open is far from a clear-cut decision. Longer credit histories do tend to have a positive effect on a consumer's credit score, but it's not something you can rush. Adhering to on-time payments and managing amounts owed will go far in improving credit scores, even absent a lengthy credit history. While accounts closed in good standing remain on your credit report for 10 years, canceling your oldest credit card account still has the potential to shorten your credit history when it is eventually removed. The impact of its removal depends on any other active credit cards in your credit file. The Bottom Line Ultimately, the number of cards a particular individual carries is a personal decision. Justifications can be found for carrying a travel rewards card, a cash back card, a balance transfer card, a card for business transactions and other types of credit cards that other consumers may not have either the need or qualifications for. However, keeping track of numerous credit cards, whether or not a consumer is actively using all of them, can be a mentally taxing exercise. Not only that, credit card fees can add up and dull the benefit of carrying several credit cards. Organized consumers can benefit greatly from a wallet full of specialized cards, but for those seeking a more zen-like financial future, some judicial pruning may be in order. Methodology: The analysis results provided are based on an Experian-created statistically relevant aggregate sampling of our consumer credit database that may include use of the FICO Score 8 version. Different sampling parameters may generate different findings compared with other similar analysis. Analyzed credit data did not contain personal identification information. Metro areas group counties and cities into specific geographic areas for population censuses and compilations of related statistical data. This story was produced by Experian and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Experian
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