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lucky 8 WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.

NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks are dragging down the market as Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.6%, with more than 80% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. The benchmark index was managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 475 points, or 1.1%, to 42,850 as of 11:35 a.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.4%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 1.9% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 2% and Best Buy slipped 1%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy was the only sector within the S&P 500 rising. It gained 0.4% as crude oil prices rose 1.2%. Investors don't have much in the way of corporate or economic updates to review as the market moves closer to another standout annual finish. The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of just under 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though Inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.5% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns he combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.59% from late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.31% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.

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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) 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

On the night of Dec.3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeoll made the shocking announcement of a state of emergency, citing "legislative dictatorship" by the Democratic Party as a threat to the constitutional order. In his urgent statement from the Yongsan Presidential Office, Yoon described this as an “anti-state activity planning an uprising,” pledging to protect the Republic of Korea and eradicate “pro-North anti-state elements.” The Defense Ministry simultaneously placed all military units on high alert . The rationale behind this declaration, however, appears deeply flawed. Yoon referenced impeachment motions initiated by the opposition against 22 government officials, including high-ranking figures like the chairperson of the Audit Board and the Seoul Prosecutor General. Yet, these motions reflect parliamentary procedures enshrined in a democratic system, not acts of rebellion. In fact, Yoon himself bears responsibility for this political turmoil, having repeatedly vetoed legislation and shielded controversial ministers while ignoring the outcry from both lawmakers and citizens. The sheer number of vetoes during Yoon's two-and-a-half years in office surpasses the combined total of all previous presidents since South Korea’s democratization in 1987. This alarming overreach has drawn widespread condemnation. Over 100,000 demonstrators, predominantly from the MZ generation (Millennials and Generation Z), gathered in front of the National Assembly on Dec. 7 to demand Yoon's resignation. The rally was particularly significant as it drew the participation of younger generations, including teenagers and individuals in their 20s, many of whom were previously disinterested in politics. This incident has not only sparked political engagement among these demographics but also served as a wake-up call, reminding them that South Korea's long-standing democracy can be shattered in an instant if political apathy prevails. The younger generation, with their light sticks and creative slogans, stood as symbols of a newfound resolve to protect democratic values. The protest’s vibrancy contrasted starkly with the president’s draconian measures. Yoon's claim that the impeachment process and reduced budgets represent an existential threat to the nation seems far removed from reality. The constitution stipulates that a state of emergency can only be declared in cases of war, insurrection, or comparable national crises. None of these conditions exist. Even during the massive protests of 2017, which led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun Hye, no state of emergency was invoked. Yoon’s justification, therefore, raises serious questions about his judgment and commitment to democratic principles. This misuse of authority evokes dark memories of South Korea’s past. In 1979 and 1980, the New Army regime declared a state of emergency under the guise of suppressing “anti-state elements,” leading to a military coup. Decades later, those responsible – Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo – faced justice for their crimes. Today, Yoon’s actions echo this authoritarian legacy, undermining the democratic advancements that South Koreans have fought so hard to achieve. Even within Yoon’s own People Power Party, dissenting voices have emerged. Party leader Han Dong Hoon criticized the declaration as a “wrong decision” and vowed to oppose it alongside the public. This sentiment underscores the urgent need for unity across political lines. According to Article 77 of the Constitution, parliament can overturn a state of emergency with a majority vote. While the Democratic Party holds a majority, bipartisan support is crucial to restore constitutional order and prevent further erosion of public trust. South Korea's true strength lies in its people. The vibrant and diverse protests by the MZ generation signal a rejection of outdated authoritarianism and an embrace of democratic values. Yoon’s state of emergency, grounded in paranoia rather than principle, is a betrayal of the nation he was elected to serve. Furthermore, this incident has become a turning point in fostering political consciousness among the youth. It underscores the fragility of democracy and the need for active participation to safeguard it. The significant turnout of young people in recent rallies reflects their growing awareness that preserving democratic institutions is their responsibility, too. Notably, South Korea’s protests, often characterized by creativity and order, have captured the attention of the global community. Many foreign observers have remarked on how these rallies resemble the excitement and organization of K-pop concerts, showcasing South Korea’s unique approach to civic engagement. This parallel between democracy and the globally celebrated Korean Wave (Hallyu) is a testament to how deeply democracy is embedded in South Korea’s cultural achievements. The Korean Wave, which has become a global phenomenon through K-pop, film and television, is built on the foundation of democracy. Just as K-pop concerts are orderly yet filled with passion, South Korea's impeachment protests reflect a modern trend in civic participation that resonates worldwide. This remarkable blending of cultural identity and political engagement underscores the responsibility of South Koreans to protect their democratic legacy, not just for themselves but as an inspiration for the world. History has shown that regimes built on fear and repression cannot endure. It is imperative that parliament acts decisively to terminate this unconstitutional state of emergency and remind Yoon that the presidency is not a personal fortress but a position of service to the people. Now more than ever, South Korea’s democratic legacy, rooted in resilience and wisdom, must be preserved, ensuring that power is wielded with accountability, not arrogance.A UK ticket-holder has won £177 million in Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw. But it is not the largest prize a person has won in this country. Here are the 10 biggest UK lottery winners – all from EuroMillions draws – and what some of them did with their fortunes. A UK ticket-holder scooped the record EuroMillions jackpot of £195 million on July 19 2022 – the biggest National Lottery win of all time. Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, scooped a then record-breaking £184,262,899 with a Lucky Dip ticket for the draw on May 10 2022. At the time, Joe was a communications sales engineer, and Jess ran a hairdressing salon with her sister. Tuesday’s winner is wealthier than former One Direction member Harry Styles and heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, who are both worth £175 million, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. Players have been urged to check their tickets to see if they can claim the prize. The fourth biggest winner of the National Lottery to date scooped £170 million in October 2019, after matching all the numbers in a Must Be Won draw. Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs, North Ayrshire, bagged their historic winnings in July 2011, making them the biggest UK winners at the time. Colin used £2.5 million of his fortune to invest in his beloved Partick Thistle Football Club, which led to one of the stands at the stadium being named after him. He later acquired a 55% shareholding in the club, which was to be passed into the hands of the local community upon his death. He died in December 2019, aged 71. The couple also set up the Weir Charitable Trust in 2013 and donated £1 million to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014. They divorced in the same year as Colin’s death. Adrian and Gillian won 190 million euros in a EuroMillions draw in August 2012, which came to just over £148 million. The couple bought a Grade II listed estate in Cambridgeshire, complete with cinema and billiards room, but it was sold in 2021, some years after the pair divorced, as reported by The Mirror. The seventh biggest National Lottery winner won a Superdraw rollover jackpot in June 2019, and decided not to go public with their success. After nine rollovers, one lucky anonymous ticket-holder bagged more than £122 million in April 2021. Another of the UK’s top 10 lottery winners found their fortune through a Superdraw jackpot rollover, this time in April 2018. Former social worker and teacher Frances set up two charitable foundations after she and her husband won almost £115 million on New Year’s Day 2019. She estimates that she has already given away £60 million to charitable causes, as well as friends and family. She considers helping others to be an addiction, saying: “It gives you a buzz and it’s addictive. I’m addicted to it now.”

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When it comes to photography, the right lens can make all the difference. You can improve how wide the angle of the photo is, how crisp it is, the vibrancy of the colors, and more. In many ways, camera lenses can help define not just the quality of your photos, but also the distinct style and mix of elements. We've argued before that instead of an upgrading your camera body, a new lens can make a bigger difference . To help you choose the right lens, we've already narrowed down our suggestions for essential camera lens models for photographers, which includes necessities like the zoom lens, telephoto lens, and prime lens. Although, anyone who has tried to invest in cameras lenses will know the unfortunate truth that it can get expensive. In fact, some camera lenses can go for hundred of thousands of dollars. Unlike buying a brand-new camera lens from a store, purchasing a secondhand camera lens isn't as straightforward. After all, there are fewer protections in place against scammers, bad actors, or simply uninformed sellers. Ideally, you should also already have the model in mind, so you can put more of your energy into verifying if the specific lens is still up to standard. So, if you're serious about getting a secondhand lens to join your photography kit, here are a couple of things you should pay attention to prevent any problems. One of the common challenges you can expect to experience when buying a secondhand camera lens is making sure the seller is legit. When you're buying from a physical store, you'll want to watch out for things like business permits, official receipts, and other forms of documentation that they're a legitimate business. If possible, try to confirm if they also have a limited seller warranty, which can be useful if you discover issues with your camera lens later on. On the other hand, when purchasing from an online retail store, you'll need to be wary about buying from a scam website by checking things like URLs or the website content for any sketchy clues. If you're buying directly from another user on dedicated selling platforms, like Craigslist or eBay, it's also a good idea to check their seller history, as well as ratings from previous buyers. Plus, it won't hurt to check out our Facebook Marketplace buying guide to manage your expectations. Lastly, if you're buying from unofficial platforms like Instagram pages, you'll want to consider other forms of social proof like testimonials from past customers, proof of delivery, or profile verification. When meeting sellers you don't know personally, keep yourself and your personal data safe by not giving your full name or personal home address. Instead, opt to meet in public places or dedicated internet purchase exchange locations in your local area instead, where you'll have the buffer of other people when you make your deal. Once you've verified the seller, the next step is to make sure that the lens itself is legitimate. In general, fake lenses are not as ubiquitous as counterfeit camera batteries or chargers, for which Sony and other brands have issued official notices. However, there is still some evidence that they exist, especially when it comes to expensive models. For example, Canon has issued a service notice regarding fake versions of its EF 50mm F1.8 II lenses. The camera manufacturer discovered these counterfeit lenses when several people brought their cameras to official service centers. That said, it's important to note that not everyone who is selling their lens will be able to confirm whether they are real or not, especially if they're not photographers themselves. In some cases, counterfeit lenses can look almost identical on the outside, but have different internal components that did not undergo the same rigorous quality testing and safety standards. After some time, this can lead to unwanted damage to your camera body. To avoid accidentally buying counterfeit products, it is best to request a proof of purchase from the original owner. Whether bought online or in-store, they should ideally be able to produce the accompanying printed receipt, original box, and warranty card. Alternatively, if they're unable to provide this, you can also opt to visit the official websites of the camera lens manufacturers and compare the close up photos to the actual item you are trying to buy. If you're more or less convinced that the pre-owned lens in your hand is legitimate, the next step is to check if it looks like it is already on its last legs. In order to make a quick buck, some sellers might not be dishonest with the actual condition of their lens and are hoping buyers don't notice. Or, it's also possible that they're not aware of how damaged their item really is. Because of this, it's important to take time to check for any physical damages, such as cracks or scratches. While some scratches can be superficial or only cause minor inconveniences, such as those from cleaning marks, larger ones can impact the image quality for some shots. If you can point out how it can impact the shooting experience, some sellers will be keen to make some price adjustments. But, if a smooth-looking lens isn't a priority, it's okay to haggle down the cost of your purchase based on cosmetics issues alone. That said, there are some physical issues that should trigger a few alarms in your head. For example, you'll want to check the mount contact points for any red flags, like scratches. In the best-case scenario, these can affect the stability of your camera's communication to the lens, which you can decide if a dealbreaker or not. But in the worst case, such as with bends, it can lead to unwanted damage to your camera body's contact points as well. Previously, we've mentioned how filters fulfill a dual function for camera lenses and can make your camera last longer . First, it lets you control the amount of light that passes through it, which adds a distinct character to photos due to slight changes in color. In the past, we've even narrowed down some of the best filters for astrophotography . Second, it quite literally protects your camera lens from the elements, as well as unexpected falls. Acting like a sort-of screen protector, it's essentially putting a physical barrier between your sensitive lens and the rest of the world. That is, if your used camera lens doesn't have issues attaching it. For photographers who believe in using filters, you'll want to check the filter threads on the secondhand camera lens you're planning to buy. If the threads are damaged, it's possible for filters to get stuck on the lens and cause even more problems. However, if the filter threads are the only thing standing in the way of a really good deal on an otherwise expensive camera lens, there's still hope. On Amazon, you can get the Neewer Camera Lens Vise Repair Tool, which sells for only $33.04 with an average of 4.3 stars from over 300 reviewers. The repair tool is capable of repairing not just the threads (27mm to 130mm), but also minor dents and edges problems. Similar to when you're buying a 35mm camera , you'll need to watch out for dust and fungus buildup inside a used camera lens. Typically, fungus appears like spider-like webs that appear at the edge of the lens. To check if it has fungus, use a small flashlight and shine it through the back of the lens to reveal any imperfections. If you want to be extra thorough about it, you can also use your mobile phone to get a better view of the inside of the lens as well. Although, if the price is low enough, you could also factor in the cost of buying a lens cleaning kit. On Amazon, one popular option is the Zacro 14-in-1 camera lens cleaning kit , which includes tools like blowers, detergent, swabs, and cleaning pens that come in a convenient storage bag. Selling for $21.99, over 7,000 people have given the Zacro 14-piece cleaning kit an average of 4.6 stars. But, if you do decide to take this route, don't forget to read our tips for cleaning camera lenses to avoid damaging it further. If you want to store your lens correctly and avoid this happening in the future, you can also invest in a lens cabinet that can keep dust away while also having dehumidifying capabilities, such as the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet . As of writing, over 300 people think it's a good deal and have given it an average of 4.5 stars, with prices starting at $149.95. Last, but arguably the most important part, is testing the camera lens features to the best of your ability. To do this, you'll need to have your actual camera body on hand. In some cases, you may also need to purchase an additional adapter to be able to mount it properly. Once it's successfully mounted, you'll want to pay attention to the smoothness of the zoom and focus ring movement. If it's still working well, you won't hear any clunky sounds or feel like you're dragging the ring through cobblestone. Next, you can do various test shots to evaluate the quality of things like autofocus, distortion, or sharpness, as well as its performance in low light conditions. Obviously, if you haven't owned the specific lens before, it can be difficult to know if it's performing up to standard. But if a physical store is accessible to you, you can also test the guaranteed new and original lens beforehand, so you can better compare the quality with the same camera body. That said, buying any sort of secondhand electronics is always a risk. After all, unless you're buying from a reputable secondhand or used retail chain, there is often no or limited warranty. Alternatively, you may want to consider getting a cheap camera lens instead of buying secondhand. These days, there are plenty of options available from most of the major camera lens manufacturers that can fit most budgets or installment plans at your disposal.Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting has announced its sudden closure, putting hundreds of staff out of work and forcing clients to seek alternatives just days from the end of the year. The company that has described itself as North America’s largest bookkeeping service for small businesses posted a “notice of service closure” on its website. It said that as of Friday the platform was “no longer accessible.” “We know this news is abrupt and may cause disruption, so we’re committed to helping Bench customers navigate through the transition,” it said. Bench has previously said it had more than 600 employees, more than 12,000 U.S.-based customers and had received investor funding of US$113 million. It said it moved to Vancouver and changed its name to Bench in 2013, having started out in 2012 as 10sheet Inc in the U.S. Calls to Bench’s Vancouver office went to voice mail and did not immediately receive a response. B.C.‘s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Diana Gibson said in a statement Friday that “our thoughts go out to the people who have lost their jobs, especially during the holidays.” “It’s disappointing any time we hear of a business closing ... as this is a private business, I don’t have any information about why it’s closing,” she said. She added that B.C. had a “strong financial tech sector,” and the government would continue to support those businesses. Bench’s website said customers would be told how to access their data by Dec. 30, and that the material would be available for download until March 7. ”(You’ll) be able to enter your Bench login credentials to download your current and prior year-end financials, as well as any documents you’ve uploaded such as receipts and bank statements,” it said. It said customers should file for a tax extension to get extra time to find a new bookkeeper to file their taxes. The company’s former CEO and co-founder Ian Crosby released a statement on social media on Friday, saying he was “very sad” about the closure. But Crosby, who said he was ousted by the company’s board about three years ago, said there was a lesson in the fate of the company. “I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs (venture capitalists) that think they can ‘upgrade’ a company by replacing the founder. It never works,” he said. The University of British Columbia Sauder Business School alumnus said he had been avoiding speaking publicly about Bench since his exit, but wanted to make a statement in light of the company’s demise. He said that in 2021 he had been battling with some board members over their strategy for a “new direction” that he thought was a “very bad idea.” “Rather than continuing to fight with me, they opted to just replace me, thinking that they could run the company better themselves,” he said. “I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company. I opted to resign rather than fight.” Kaz Nejatian, COO of Bench investor Shopify, agreed with Crosby. “Bad investors destroyed a great Canadian company by replacing the founder with so-called professionals,” Nejatian said on social media platform X. Other bookkeeping companies were quick to reach out to Bench’s former clients, with rivals such as Acuity and Better Bookkeeping making reference to Bench’s closure in social media pitches. Rival companies also commented on complaints by Bench clients, offering their services. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024.

The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. Made Trade rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Made Trade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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