The 10 costliest climate disasters in 2024 racked up damage totalling more than 200 billion US dollars, Christian Aid has warned. A report from the charity on hurricanes, floods, typhoons and storms influenced by climate change warns that the top 10 disasters each cost more than 4 billion US dollars in damage (£3.2 billion). The figures are based mostly on insured losses, so the true costs are likely to be even higher, Christian Aid said, as it called for action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and finance for poor countries to cope with climate change. Politicians who “downplay the urgency of the climate crisis only serve to harm their own people and cause untold suffering around the world”, climate expert Joanna Haigh said. While developed countries feature heavily in the list of costliest weather extremes, as they have higher property values and can afford insurance, the charity also highlighted another 10 disasters which did not rack up such costs but were just as devastating, often hitting poorer countries. Most extreme weather events show “clear fingerprints” of climate change, which is driving more extreme weather events, making them more intense and frequent, experts said. The single most costly event in 2024 was Hurricane Milton, which scientists say was made windier, wetter and more destructive by global warming, and which caused 60 billion US dollars (£48 billion) of damage when it hit the US in October. That is closely followed by Hurricane Helene, which cost 55 billion US dollars (£44 billion) when it hit the US, Mexico and Cuba just two weeks before Milton in late September. The US was hit by so many costly storms throughout the year that even when hurricanes are removed, other storms cost more than 60 billion US dollars in damage, the report said. Three of the costliest 10 climate extremes hit Europe, including the floods from Storm Boris which devastated central European countries in September and deadly flooding in Valencia in October which killed 226 people. In other parts of the world, floods in June and July in China killed 315 people and racked up costs of 15.6 billion US dollars (£12.4 billion), while Typhoon Yagi, which hit south-west Asia in September, killed more than 800 people and cost 12.6 billion dollars (£10 billion). Events which were not among the most costly in financial terms but which have still been devastating include Cyclone Chido which hit Mayotte in December and may have killed more than 1,000 people, Christian Aid said. Meanwhile, heatwaves affected 33 million people in Bangladesh and worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, flooding affected 6.6 million people in West Africa and the worst drought in living memory affected more than 14 million in Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe, the charity said. Christian Aid chief executive Patrick Watt said: “There is nothing natural about the growing severity and frequency of droughts, floods and storms. “Disasters are being supercharged by decisions to keep burning fossil fuels, and to allow emissions to rise. “And they’re being made worse by the consistent failure to deliver on financial commitments to the poorest and most climate-vulnerable countries. “In 2025 we need to see governments leading, and taking action to accelerate the green transition, reduce emissions, and fund their promises.” Dr Mariam Zachariah, World Weather Attribution researcher who analyses extreme events in near-real time to discern the role of climate change, at Imperial College London, said: “This report is just a snapshot of climate devastation in 2024. “There are many more droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and floods not included that are becoming more frequent and intense. “Most of these disasters show clear fingerprints of climate change. “Extreme weather is clearly causing incredible suffering in all corners of the world. Behind the billion-dollar figures are lost lives and livelihoods.” And Prof Haigh, emeritus professor of atmospheric physics at Imperial College London, said: “The economic impact of these extreme weather events should be a wake-up call. “The good news is that ever-worsening crises doesn’t have to be our long-term future. “The technologies of a clean energy economy exist, but we need leaders to invest in them and roll them out at scale.” The 10 costliest climate disasters of 2024 were: US storms, December to January, more than 60 billion US dollars; Hurricane Milton in the US, October 9-13, 60 billion US dollars (£48 billion); Hurricane Helene in the US, Mexico, Cuba, 55 billion US dollars (£44 billion); China floods, June 9-July 14, 15.6 billion US dollars (£12.4 billion); Typhoon Yagi, which hit south-west Asia from September 1 to 9, 12.6 billion US dollars (£10 billion); Hurricane Beryl, in the US, Mexico and Caribbean islands from July 1-11, 6.7 billion US dollars (£5.3 billion); Storm Boris in central Europe, September 12-16, 5.2 billion US dollars (£4.1 billion); Rio Grande do Sul floods in Brazil, April 28-May 3, 5 billion US dollars (£4 billion); Bavaria floods, Germany, June 1-7, 4.45 billion US dollars (£3.5 billion); Valencia floods, Spain, on October 29, 4.22 billion US dollars (£3.4 billion).While some shoppers headed to local malls and national stores to complete their Christmas shopping, others visited local shops around the Shenandoah Valley. For those stil searching for last-minute gifts, the three stores below are open Christmas Eve. J & B’s Country Store Antiques & Treasures “We drove down here from Lexington,” said Carol Gilliam, who was at J & B’s Country Store Antiques & Treasures in Broadway Saturday afternoon. She drove to the store with her daughter and two grandchildren to find presents for her family. “We just like the variety,” Gilliam said. “I love antiques, and my daughter loves thrift stores.” Also shopping for Christmas presents on Saturday were Katie and JJ Bailey, both 30 years old, of New Market, who brought along their 5-month-old son Sawyer. They were looking for a railroad insulator for a friend who collects them and picked up a children’s book for their son. “You always find something whether you’re looking to buy or not,” Katie Bailey said. Manager Brenda Pultz said the store, which has 158 vendors, has been busy all season. Pultz said some popular items this season have been centerpieces and wreaths. She also said that the store sells a lot of toys. “We’ve sold a lot of scented candles, lots of books and movies. We’re selling quite a bit of jewelry, and folks are also giving antiques for Christmas," Pultz said. Pultz also said that gift certificates have been popular this season and that the store can also do helium balloons for parties. J & B’s Country Store, which also has a bakery and cafe, is at 169 N. Main St. in Broadway. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Pultz said the store holds a monthly open house. The next one will be Jan. 11. Refreshments will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Loretta Pence will sell three different flavors of donuts from 9 a.m. to noon. Valley Pike Farm Market Meanwhile, Valley Pike Farm Market in Weyers Cave also attracted shoppers. On Sunday, Eric Danzeisen, 45, of Singers Glen, a James Madison University graduate, was shopping there. He was looking for presents for his family in New Jersey. He found candied jalapeños for his aunt, chocolate-covered pretzels for his cousins, and was considering buying lotion for his mom. “This is my second year Christmas shopping here,” Danzeisen said. “I’m a last-minute guy by nature, so this is just how Christmas shopping goes for me.” Last year, Danzeisen said he bought a birdseed wreath from the farm market for his aunt. Manager Tammy Estes said the birdseed wreath was a popular Christmas item. “Our birdseed wreaths, people carry those out 10 at a time,” Estes said. “They’re a nice teacher/grandma gift, just an all-around good gift.” Estes said that people have been buying “a little bit of everything because we have so much to offer, whether it’s stocking stuffers, lots of Christmas candles, and of course beer and wine are very popular during the holidays.” Jason Barnhart, 41, who is from McGaheysville but now lives in Ashland, Ohio, who was back in town for the holiday season, said he had come to Valley Pike to have a beer with his brother, who still lives in the area. “The beer and wine selection is amazing,” Barnhart said. “I think it’s just a nice little getaway for my brother and me to come and catch up over a pint.” He added that one of his favorite wines, The Red Star, comes from Veritas Vineyard and Winery in Afton. Valley Pike, located just off exit 235 of Interstate 81, is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The address is 3494 Lee Highway, Weyers Cave. Jon Henry General Store On Monday, shoppers also ventured out to Jon Henry General Store in New Market to find gifts for family and friends. One area resident, Liz Buffington, 23, of Fort Valley, said she was “looking for little additional things ... for stocking stuffing stuffers.” One unique item that she found and planned to give to her boyfriend’s son was a lollipop with ants in it. “This store has all kinds of stuff like that.” Buffington, who said she’s a frequent shopper, enjoys shopping at the store because “I love all the local handmade things. It’s a great place to find gifts.” Store owner Jon Henry said that dog treats have been a big seller this season. “I think just because everyone is getting something for someone else’s dog,” he said. Henry also said the store’s unique socks, which include socks decorated with cereal, presidents, Pringles, and animals, have been popular this year. “They’re all one size and fits most people, and pretty much everyone has feet,” he said. He also said that usually, the store sells a lot of apple butter, but this year, they’ve sold a lot of pear butter. “We’ve ordered more pear butter this month than the last two years combined," Henry said. Henry said that the store’s wood toys have also been popular this year. “I think a lot of people are realizing, like, hey, kids don’t need any more screen time,” Henry said. “The other big thing for the holidays is our glass bottle of eggnog from Homestead Creamery, which is super popular and locally made in Virginia,” Henry said. He said that the store had just gotten in another hundred quarts of eggnog Monday morning. One local resident who came to the store for the eggnog was Wendy Gochenour, 58, of Woodstock. “There’s a lot of homemade stuff,” said her daughter, Olivia Gochenour, 24, who now lives in Cleveland. Guchenour said, “You don’t really see stuff like this [in Cleveland].” Henry said that the store, at 9383 N Congress Street, in New Market, will get in a shipment of over 100 quarts of oysters on Christmas Eve. They will be open on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Neal Maupay: Whenever I’m having a bad day I check Everton score and smileJim Harbaugh and Chargers focused on accomplishing more after wrapping up playoff berth
The Dolphins' improbable path to the playoffs isn't in their hands, but they must do their partThe striker has taunted the club on social media. Everton striker Neal Maupay has sparked outrage among Toffees fans by taking a swipe at his parent club in a post on social media. Maupay also had a dig at Everton when he departed on loan to Marseille in the summer and his latest taunt has further angered the Premier League club’s supporters. The 28-year-old said on X after Sean Dyche’s side had lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday: “Whenever I’m having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile.” Former boxer Tony Bellew was among the Toffees’ supporters who responded to Maupay, with the ex-world cruiserweight champion replying on X with: “P****!” Maupay endured a miserable spell at Everton, scoring just one league goal in 29 appearances after being signed by the Merseysiders for an undisclosed fee in 2022. He departed on a season-long loan to his former club Brentford for the 2023-24 season and left Goodison for a second time in August when Marseille signed him on loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent. After leaving Everton in the summer, Maupay outraged their fans by posting on social media a scene from the film Shawshank Redemption, famous for depicting the main character’s long fight for freedom.
Jan. 20th is just around the corner. It is Day 1 in the tariff wars that our next president is intent on launching. The corporate world is trying to dissuade him from that course of action, with no success. It is an economic fact that the cost of tariffs is passed on to the consumer. If tariffs are high enough, some imported products simply cease to be available, which can cause supply chain interruptions. At some point, buyers balk at paying higher prices. When that happens, tariff costs hit business profit margins directly. Everyone loses. In the last column, I explained why Donald Trump is adamant that tariffs are the only way to turn around the trade imbalances that have plagued our country as far back as the aftermath of World War II. In his first term, Trump's tariff policies were partially successful but not without a cost. In his first term, Trump's tariff policies were partially successful but not without a cost. Some countries hit back with their own tariffs. Our farmers were hurt so badly that Trump was forced to authorize a multibillion-dollar package of direct aid to keep many farmers afloat. Yet, the MAGA math suggests that whatever harm is done will be worth it in the long run. However, an important element in this equation is being ignored by Trump and many economists. We will use Germany as just one example. As the powerhouse of Europe, Germany has been enjoying large trade surpluses with the U.S. for many years. Back in the heyday of mercantilism (16th to 18th centuries), a country would take these trade surpluses and convert them into piles of silver and gold that would sit in their monarch's coffers for years. That is not the case today. Germany, as well as China, Japan, and most other European nations have much higher savings and investment rates than we do in the U.S. Why should that matter? Because instead of hoarding their cash profits on trade (the modern-day equivalent of precious metals), they have been taking their current account trade surpluses and recycling those capital flows back into the U.S. and other countries. Those flows find their way into building new plants and equipment in the U.S., creating jobs, investing in our technology, and purchasing our stocks and bonds. This flow of funds allows the American consumer to continue to save less and spend more. The risk is that by raising tariffs, we reverse this process. These offending nations would see their current account trade surplus go down as their exports to the U.S. slowed. That means they would have less capital to invest back in America. I see other differences between the Trump approach and the mercantilists of old. Back in those days of colonial expansion, currencies did not represent the value they do today. Only gold and silver were considered stores of wealth. Today, nations can do more than just raise tariffs in response to a burgeoning tariff war. President-elect Donald Trump, shown during a recent news conference, has already telegraphed his intent to levy tariffs on America's trading partners. Since Trump has already telegraphed his intent to levy tariffs on America's trading partners, exporters have already acted by using their currency to lessen the impact on their trade balance. How? By reducing the value of their currencies against the dollar. If Mexico, for example, is hit with a 10 percent tariff on exports and allows its' currency to depreciate versus the dollar by 10 percent, the price to importers remains the same. No harm is done, and it is business as usual. This is why the U.S. dollar has been strengthening against just about every currency all year. Another area where Trump departs from the mercantilist model is government control. He believes in the heavy hand of government as far as trade is concerned, but he is in the opposite camp where rules, regulations, and taxes by the same government are concerned. Unlike the nations of old, he does not believe that wealth is finite, nor should it be measured by the amount of gold, silver, or even crypto that a nation holds. That puts him at odds with the core belief that supported mercantilism. As for acquiring colonies, his policy appears to be both nationalist and anti-imperialistic. Trump has shown himself to be against foreign entanglements and has no interest in acquiring territory (unlike China, Iran, Russia, and other quasi-mercantilist societies). He does not see it as America's role to right every wrong or spend money or American lives on people and causes which he believes has nothing to do with our interests. That does not mean he plans to withdraw America from the global scene as many might fear. The U.S. is just too big an entity to accomplish that. Instead, because of his mercantilist leanings, if other nations want us to intervene then they must be prepared to pay for that privilege. He has made that point with Taiwan, and with the countries that comprise NATO, and will do so at every opportunity, in my opinion. Many voters see our new president as a strong leader. They applaud his desire to wield more power and authority than others have done in his office. Given the present populist era where distrust of government and our economic system are at historical highs, this is not surprising. Although he has a soft spot for pomp and circumstance and may envy autocratic leaders, he seems less interested in power for power's sake. Time and again, the mercantilist in him, appears to support one conclusion: if there is an advantage to be had (whether in finance, economics, or policy) by simply cutting a deal, that is what he will do.
Akins Ford is proud to announce valuable research pages for the upcoming 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor, including specs, features, and powertrain options. ATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Akins Ford, a trusted name in the automotive industry near Atlanta , is proud to announce the release of new, extensive 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor specs on its website. This detailed research offers truck enthusiasts all the information they need to explore the thrilling power, design, and technology of the 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor. "We're incredibly excited to release our in-depth research pages detailing the all-new 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor! With its powerful engine options, including a twin-turbocharged V6 and a V8, and a starting price of $80,900 , this truck is poised to be a game-changer. We're confident that these detailed specs and features will help our customers make informed decisions and find the perfect Raptor for their needs," said Tanner Maloof . - Powertrain and Performance : Built for Speed, and Built Ford Tough The 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor continues to set the standard for off-road trucks with impressive performance capabilities. This model offers two robust engine options: a twin-turbocharged V6 and the powerful V8 in the Raptor R variant. With the V6 achieving a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and the V8 reaching 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, this truck is built for speed and excitement. For more details on the Raptor's engine performance, Akins Ford provides a dedicated powertrain overview on its website. This research includes insights into how the Raptor balances power with advanced off-road features like the truck's revolutionary Terrain Management SystemTM . -Technology and Interior Designed for Comfort Inside, the Ford F-150 Raptor for sale offers a rugged yet refined interior designed for both adventure and daily driving. The SuperCrew body style ensures spacious seating for passengers, while the latest tech upgrades enhance connectivity. Features like a large infotainment screen, smartphone compatibility, and advanced safety tools make this truck as comfortable as it is capable. With new graphics , paint, and wheel options for 2025, the Raptor's design stands out both on and off the road. Customers can explore these features in greater depth by visiting Akins Ford's Raptor research page . -Visit Akins Ford for the 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor Expected to arrive in late 2024, the 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor offers a starting price of $80,900 and can exceed $112,725 depending on options. Truck shoppers can view the latest Raptor inventory at Akins Ford. Our team is excited to help drivers near Atlanta explore what makes the F-150 Raptor one of the most capable trucks on the market today. For more information on the 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor specs , contact Akins Ford or visit our website. Discover why the Raptor is the go-to truck for performance enthusiasts everywhere. -About Akins Ford Akins Ford is a leading automotive dealership located in Winder, Georgia . With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and a wide selection of new and pre-owned Ford vehicles, Akins Ford has established itself as a trusted name in the automotive industry. Find out why Akins Ford is the leading Ford dealership in the greater Atlanta area and nationwide by visiting 220 West May Street, Winder, GA 30680, or by calling 770-867-9136. Find the dealership on the web at www.akinsford.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atlantas-akins-ford-2025-raptor-details-released-302338595.html SOURCE Akins FordAverage mortgage rate falls for third straight weekOverall crime declined, but cybercrime rose exponentially in 2024: Andhra DGP
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins' playoff hopes are not in their hands, but they did their part with a gritty win over San Francisco on Sunday. Coach Mike McDaniel knows that's not enough, and his team will need to do it two more times to even have a shot at making the postseason for the third straight year. “I was just proud of this effort and proud of the guys’ effort in general,” McDaniel said. “And that gives you a chance to win December football. Regardless, unless you’re playing in February, you also have to get adept at experiencing that, going through that, having some momentum and then going back and applying it to the next opponent, because no one cares about one win in December or January realistically. It’s about accumulating those.” Miami (7-8) is on the bubble for a wild-card spot along with Indianapolis (7-8) and Cincinnati (7-8). Even if the Dolphins win their remaining two games, they'll need help from other teams to get in. In one scenario, Miami would make the playoffs with two wins and two losses each by Denver (9-6) and the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6). “This team, we know when we do it well, we can do it very well,” defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “We know that our chances are slim, but there’s a lot of fight left. And if we have a chance, we’re going to fight for it.” Miami closed out Sunday's game with a strong fourth quarter in all three phases. The offense converted on all three of its third-down attempts. Running back De'Von Achane had 93 of his 190 scrimmage yards in the quarter, including a 50-yard rushing score that put the game out of reach. Jason Sanders nailed a 48-yard field goal just before the two-minute warning. And the defense intercepted Brock Purdy on one of the Niners' last-ditch efforts. “I think that was something that we needed to see as a team together,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. “You could see in all three phases that we were able to play the complementary football that we said we wanted to play. The defense giving the offense opportunities to go put points on the board. Then when there were times where we didn’t do what we wanted to do offensively, the defense held.” With both of the Dolphins' final games on the road, they'll need to play better than they have in away games for much of the season. Miami is 5-3 at home, its fifth straight home winning record, but the Dolphins are 2-5 on the road. McDaniel expressed confidence that those home efforts can travel in this final stretch. “When you’re trying to play football so that in the inevitable situation that you face every season,” McDaniel said, “an elimination game, whether it’s to get in the playoffs or it’s in the playoffs, you want to be tooled with a team that can succeed or execute in those types of situations.” Miami's run game finally got going with 166 yards. It was the Dolphins' first time topping 100 yards rushing since Week 9. Achane led the charge with 120 yards. His 50-yard rushing score was Miami's longest run this season. The Dolphins moved the ball well but scored touchdowns on just one of three trips to the red zone. Sanders. He was 5 for 5 on field goals with a long of 54 yards, and 2 for 2 on extra points. Sanders has made 23 consecutive field goals and is 11 of 13 on kicks of 50-plus yards. He's one of two kickers, alongside Dallas' Brandon Aubrey, who have made a field goal in every game this season. WR Tyreek Hill. The All-Pro receiver caught just 3 of 7 targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. He had a third-down drop on the Dolphins' opening drive and dropped a potential touchdown later in the game. The NFL's receiving leader last year is averaging just 55.6 yards per game and has only two 100-plus yard receiving games this season. WR Jaylen Waddle missed the game because of a knee injury. ... CB Kendall Fuller (knee) and LB Jordyn Brookes (quad/knee) both went down late in the second half. 76 receptions, 802 yards — Both single-season Dolphins records for a tight end, which Jonnu Smith broke with six catches for 62 yards on Sunday. The Dolphins will continue their efforts to sneak into the playoffs when they play at Cleveland (3-12) on Sunday. They'll need to beat the Browns and the New York Jets (4-11) in their regular-season finale to give themselves a chance. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLCINCINNATI — Saturday’s wild overtime win over the Denver Broncos was the most important in what has been a mostly disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did the Bengals (8-8) win their fourth straight for the first time this season and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but they also finally made enough plays late to win a close game. Seven of their previous eight losses were by one score. And Cincinnati also got a win over one of the league’s better teams. Its seven previous victories came against sub-.500 teams. Joe Burrow, in the midst of the best season of his career, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1 minute, 7 seconds left in overtime to win it 30-24. The final drive followed two critical stops by the Cincinnati defense. “We’ve known we had a good football team all along,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “And those (close) games are disappointing that we came up short, but they didn’t change our process. They didn’t change what our guys believed in. We didn’t have to change everything we did. We still believed in what we were doing. And now we’ve won four in a row, and we have to make it five in a row.” The playoffs are still a long shot. To get there, the Bengals will have to go into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers next weekend in the regular-season finale and also count on other bubble teams losing. What’s working The Bengals are playing their best football of the season. Burrow, battered by the Denver pass rush, completed nearly 80% of his passes in piling up 412 yards and three touchdowns. It marked his eighth straight game with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, extending his NFL record. ... Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against the Broncos, could finish the season with the receiving triple crown — most catches, yards and touchdowns. What needs help The offensive line continues to struggle, even with the return of starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Burrow rarely had a clean pocket, was constantly on the run and was sacked seven times and hit 15 times. Stock up The Cincinnati defense, much maligned this season, forced two Denver punts in overtime. The second one led to the Bengals’ winning drive. Linebacker Germaine Pratt intercepted Bo Nix to end a Denver drive in the fourth quarter. “For them to rise up and get those two stops and allow the offense a shot to go win it (is) big-time stuff,” Taylor said. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and was the recipient of all three of Burrow’s touchdown passes. “Everybody can see what kind of player he is,” Burrow said of Higgins, who is playing this season with the franchise tag. “He elevates us to a different level when he’s playing like that.” Stock down Kicker Cade York, who was signed in early December to fill in for the injured Evan McPherson, had a chance to win the game with 2:49 left in overtime, but his 33-yard field-goal attempt bounced off the left upright. Injuries RB Chase Brown sprained his ankle in an awkward slide as the Bengals tried to run out the clock in regulation. ... OT Amarius Mims suffered an injury to his right hand. Key number 499 — total yards by the Bengals against Denver.