CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 17 points, Marchelus Avery had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Oklahoma State beat Miami 80-74 on Friday in the consolation bracket of the Charleston Classic. Oklahoma State (4-1) will play in the fifth-place game on Sunday, while Miami (3-2) will try to avoid going winless in the tournament. Oklahoma State led 43-27 at halftime after making 8 of 15 from 3-point range, while Miami was just 8 of 27 overall. Four different Cowboys made a 3-pointer in the first half, with Brandon Newman making three. Thompson banked in a shot early in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 20-point lead at 49-29. Miami, which opened the game by missing 7 of 8 shots, went 1 for 8 from the field to begin the second half. Miami trailed by double figures the entire second half until Matthew Cleveland made a difficult shot in the lane while being fouled. He made the free throw to pull the Hurricanes within 75-67 with 49 seconds left. Arturo Dean restored a double-digit lead by making two free throws at 43.8. Thompson reached the 1,000 career points with the Cowboys on a shot in the lane with 13:01 left in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 55-38 lead. Nijel Pack scored 20 points and Brandon Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Miami. Cleveland finished with 11 points, and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet each had 10. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballMangia NYC Starts 2025 with Dynamic New Year's Dining Resolutions 12-23-2024 09:34 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire The team at New York's famous restaurant is excited to reveal their adventurous culinary resolutions for the New Year, with a fresh take on healthy dining and bold new flavors. December 23, 2024 - New York, New York - Mangia NYC [ https://mangia.nyc/ ], New York's iconic artisan Italian eatery is rolling out its New Year's resolutions for delicious dining in 2025. As the New Year approaches, many food resolutions shift from the traditional focus on "eating healthy" to embracing a spirit of adventure with "eating adventurously." At Mangia, the team is excited to make food resolutions for the upcoming year, exploring new dishes, experimenting with unique flavors, and revisiting favorite recipes. Whether trying something completely new or perfecting a classic, Mangia is ready to inspire diners with helpful tips, guides, and delicious recipes to kickstart the year with gastronomic excitement. "We're thrilled to start 2025 with a fresh perspective and exciting new resolutions," says Elena Consta, Marketing Director of Mangia NYC. "This year, we're all about embracing new flavors, supporting our local communities, and continuing to create meaningful, delicious experiences for our guests. We can't wait to share these new adventures with everyone!" At the core of Mangia's delicious dining objectives for 2025, the team of professionals is focusing on five key resolutions: * Resolve to Prioritize Breakfast - While breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, it can be a challenge to find something nutritious, filling, and satisfying during a busy morning. Mangia makes breakfast easy and nutritious with a variety of fresh, healthy grab-and-go options, including oatmeal, overnight oats, avocado toasts, cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and cage-free eggs paired with a variety of protein options. * Resolve to Eat with the Seasons - Seasonal food is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Mangia prioritizes the use of seasonal, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, which are fresher, more flavorful, and packed with nutrients. By offering daily specials that highlight peak-season produce, Mangia ensures a vibrant, delicious dining experience while supporting local growers. * Resolve to Treat Yourself - Mangia makes it simple to indulge in mindful treats with tasty yet wholesome options. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a freshly baked, in-house flourless cookie, or enjoy a memorable pizza night with their famous organic sourdough pizza, available gluten-free upon request. * Resolve to Gift a Meal - Mangia is committed to giving back by donating unsold food, including catering surplus, to local food rescue organizations. Each evening, unsold items are collected and distributed to shelters, helping to feed those in need. In collaboration with food rescue partners, Mangia donated over 250,000 items last year. Those interested in volunteering or donating gift cards to support this effort are encouraged to reach out to the Mangia team. * Resolve to Try Something New - Start the year with a gourmet adventure at Mangia. Try something new, like a fresh antipasto, a hazelnut or pistachio croissant, or a lettuce cup sandwich. Guests can also customize their salads with new ingredients at the salad station. At Mangia, every day is an opportunity to make life-and meals-more exciting. To kick off the New Year on a flavorful note, diners are encouraged to visit Mangia and enjoy a delicious meal or treat. Start 2025 right-because a great year begins with great food. About Mangia NYC: Since 1981, Mangia NYC has been a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, playing a key role in shaping New York's culinary landscape. Renowned for its artisan Italian cuisine, freshly baked treats, exceptional catering services, and commitment to eco-friendly practices, the iconic eatery has become a beloved landmark in the heart of the city. Mangia! Live the Life You Love! CONTACT: To learn more about Mangia NYC, and its 2025 Resolutions, or to schedule an interview, please contact us. Website: https://mangia.nyc/ Address: Mangia NYC 57 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/mangia_nyc_official/ https://www.twitter.com/Mangia_NYC https://www.pinterest.com/mangianyc https://www.facebook.com/MangiaNYC Media Contact Company Name: Mangia NYC Contact Person: Sasha Muniak, Founder Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=mangia-nyc-starts-2025-with-dynamic-new-years-dining-resolutions ] Phone: (212) 980-6363 Address:50 W 57th St City: Manhattan State: NEW YORK 10019 Country: United States Website: https://mangia.nyc/ This release was published on openPR.
IBD Live Q&A And Two Key Stock Lists For Dec. 24, 2024Donald Trump’s choice of billionaire financier Stephen Feinberg as the No. 2 official at the Pentagon is part of a move by the president-elect to back up Pete Hegseth, his choice for defense secretary, with deputies focused on bringing in business experience and new technology. Feinberg is co-founder and majority owner of Cerberus Capital Management LP and has a net worth of about $7.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The private equity firm has major investments in defense technology companies. If confirmed by the Senate, Feinberg would hold a job historically focused on hands-on management of the Pentagon and related concerns, such as industrial production. The role of deputies at the Pentagon has taken on outsized significance in the incoming administration. Trump’s pick of Hegseth to lead the complex bureaucracy, with its budget of more than $840 billion, has met with resistance, in part over his limited management experience. In addition, the former Fox News host, who served in the Army National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan, has denied allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of two veterans organizations he headed. His confirmation by the Senate remains uncertain. Hegseth’s public comments have focused on making good on Trump’s pledge to crack down on what he sees as “woke” initiatives at the Pentagon. In announcing his choice for deputy defense secretary on Sunday, Trump called Feinberg “an extremely successful businessman,” and also said that he will nominate: “Especially with Feinberg’s appointment, it signals a more business-oriented approach” to managing the Defense Department, said Clementine Starling-Daniels, director of the Atlantic Council’s Forward Defense program. “There are some real benefits to taking a different approach there,” she said, but there are also risks in backing new, smaller-scale projects to the detriment of “large complex programs” like Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 fighter plane. Some of Cerberus’s portfolio companies have invested in hypersonic missile technology with both civilian and military applications. In addition, one of its companies, Tier 1 Group, provided paramilitary training to Saudis who later participated in the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the New York Times reported in 2021. Starling-Daniels also cited the limited experience of Trump’s top choices with the Pentagon’s complex bureaucracy. “If you don’t balance a secretary of defense with a deputy secretary of defense who really is attuned to how the department functions, I’m concerned that no matter what the policy priorities are, they will be really hard to enact,” she said. Colby, who would be the Pentagon’s policy chief, served as deputy assistant secretary of defense early in Trump’s first term. He has championed Trump’s vision to end the US role as “global policeman” and backed calls for allies to boost defense spending so the US can focus on the strategic threat from China — a theme he hit in his book, The Strategy of Denial, published in 2021. “A highly respected advocate for our America First foreign and defense policy, Bridge will work closely with my outstanding Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to restore our Military power, and achieve my policy of PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump wrote on social media in announcing the picks, using Colby’s nickname. As acquisition chief, Duffey will be on the the front line of decisions on whether the Pentagon cuts back on traditional projects like the F-35 and turns instead to Silicon Valley for drones and AI. Billionaire Elon Musk, who’s become a top Trump adviser, has said “some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35” in an age of drones. Overseeing Pentagon spending in the Office of Management and Budget in Trump’s first term, Duffey instructed the Pentagon to hold back $250 million in military aid to Ukraine while Trump was pressuring Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Joe Biden. Michael, who would be research and engineering chief, was ousted from Uber in 2017, amid turmoil over allegations of a toxic workplace culture. “Emil will ensure that our Military has the most technologically sophisticated weapons in the World, while saving A LOT of money for our Taxpayers,” Trump said in one of his posts. Trump also announced that Joe Kasper would serve as chief of staff for the defense secretary. Kasper was a former Pentagon official in Trump’s first term before he was appointed as a deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Protesters storm National Assembly, oppose establishment of Nigerian Coast GuardFriday's Scores
MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm while addressing hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year's most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness" the floods caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year's worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards' shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination," Felipe said about how the disaster was managed. He also addressed the country's housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in the southern European country that is the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and "listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain's immigration debate should keep in mind the country's European partners and immigrants' countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain needed to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics.
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Kemi Badenoch has long proved herself to be a gaffe-prone politician - and that trend has not ended since she was elected Tory leader. In the the race to replace Rishi Sunak , the former Business Secretary found herself at the mercy of headline after headline amid interview car crashes and bizarre moments. At the Tory conference in September, she caused a huge row after claiming maternity pay was "overburdening businesses". Elsewhere during the conference she said between 5% and 10% of civil servants are "should-be-in-prison bad" . This would mean between 25,000 and 50,000 were put behind bars. During the same month she was mocked after claiming she became working class when she got a job in McDonalds. Since becoming the leader of the Conservative Party on November 2, Ms Badenoch has had a rocky road. Her performances at the weekly Prime Minister's Questions clash with Keir Starmer have been branded underwhelming - and the latest YouGov polling shows more than half of Brits think she does not look like a Prime Minister in waiting. Here The Mirror takes a look at some of her top gaffes and weird moments since becoming Tory leader. 1. Partygate was 'overblown' A day after becoming Tory leader, Ms Badenoch thought it would be a good idea to declare Boris Johnson a "great" Prime Minister and that the Partygate scandal was "overblown". In her first major interview since winning the contest to replace Mr Sunak , Ms Badenoch suggested the problem instead was with the Covid fines. During his time in No10, Mr Johnson became the first sitting PM to be sanctioned by police after he was found to have breached his own Covid rules. Despite being among dozens who resigned from his government in July 2022, Ms Badenoch told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "I thought he was a great Prime Minister. "But there were some serious issues which were not being resolved and I think that during that tenure the public thought that we were not speaking for them or looking out for them, we were in it for ourselves." She went on: "Some of those things I think were perception issues, a lot of the stuff that happened around partygate was not why I resigned. I thought that it was overblown. We should not have created fixed penalty notices, for example. That was us not going with our principles." She added that the public was "not wrong to be upset about partygate", but said : "The problem was that we should not have criminalised everyday activities the way that we did." At the time, chair of the Labour Party Ellie Reeves said: “Listening to Kemi Badenoch dismiss Partygate as 'overblown' will add insult to injury for families across Britain who followed the rules, missing loved one’s deaths and family funerals, whilst her colleagues partied in Downing Street." 2. Misleading attack at PMQs At the start of November Kemi Badenoch used her first PMQs session to launch a misleading attack on the Government over defence spending. The new Tory leader told MPs there was nothing in the October Budget on defence spending. In fact Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an additional £2.9billion for the Ministry of Defence and said the Government would "set a path" to spending 2.5% of GDP on defending the country. Ms Badenoch told the PM: "His Chancellor's Budget did not even mention defence. The Chancellor's budget last week was a copy and paste of Bidenomics. It turns out that a high spending, high borrowing, high inflation approach is less popular than she may have thought." The PM shot back: "The one thing I learned as leader of the opposition it is a good idea to listen to what the Government is actually saying. I think she said defence wasn't mentioned in the Budget. It was seven days ago and it is absolutely clear and central to the Budget." He said that the Government is committed to bringing defence spending to 2.5% - and pointed out that the last time this was achieved was under the last Labour government. 3. Sandwich In December Kemi Badenoch triggered a bizarre row after launching an attack on sandwiches - and dismissing them as not "real food". It caused Keir Starmer to issue a defence of sandwiches as a "great British institution" . In a magazine interview, she said "lunch is for wimps" before ranting: "I don't think sandwiches are a real food, it's what you have for breakfast." Describing her daily routine, Ms Badenoch said: "What's a lunch break? Lunch is for wimps. I have food brought in and I work and eat at the same time." She added that she "will not touch bread if it’s moist”. And in another weird turn, she revealed that she sometimes has a steak brought to her as she works. No10 was having none of it. The PM's official spokesman said at the time: "I think he was surprised to hear that the leader of the Opposition has a steak brought in for lunch. The Prime Minister is quite happy with a sandwich lunch." He added that the PM "enjoys a tuna sandwich and occasionally a cheese toastie". Ms Badenoch's rant was a far cry from her predecessor's equally odd moment, in which Mr Sunak claimed his favourite meal is "sandwiches" in a cringe-worthy appearance on ITV's This Morning in July. 4. Criticism of PM backfires In another wobbly PMQs moment in November, Ms Badenoch appeared to read from her pre-prepared lines as she attacked the government's "cruel family farms tax" over a changes in October's Budget. But it landed her in trouble when moments after she attempted to attack Mr Starmer on his "scripted lines". It caused a severe mocking from the PM , who drew loud laughter from the Labour benches. He responded sharply: "I'm happy to help the leader of the opposition. If she's going to complain about scripted answers, it's probably best not to read that from a script. "I'm glad she's raised farmers. Because the budget last week put £5billion over the next two years into farming. That's the single biggest increase, unlike the £300million which was underspent under the last government. But when it comes to inheritance, the vast vast majority of farmers will be unaffected, as she well knows; as they well know." 5. Flat-rate tax is an attractive idea In December Ms Badenoch came under fire after suggesting millionaires should pay the same rate of tax as the poor. The Tory leader faced comparisons to Liz Truss after saying a flat tax rate is a "very attractive" idea. She made the comments at a theatre that was ironically showing a pantomime of Robin Hood - the heroic character known for helping the poor. Ms Badenoch said the country couldn't afford to introduce a flat rate of tax at the moment and that the cost of welfare, such as benefits, in the country needs to be "turned around" to do so. The comments triggered comparisons to disastrous ex-PM Ms Truss , who tried to push for tax cuts for the rich but crashed the economy with her unfunded promises. At the time in 2022, Ms Truss admitted her plans would disproportionately benefit wealthy people. Currently British people pay different levels of tax depending on their tax band - which is determined by how much they earn. Critics have warned that introducing a flat rate in the UK would mean low paid earners would face a tax rise, while high earners would face a tax rise. Labour analysis showed that Ms Badenoch's idea could see low earners facing a £1,200 tax hike , while the highest earners would get a tax cut of more than £5,000. A Labour spokesman hit back: “ Kemi Badenoch needs to come clean about how much she would hike taxes on working people to pay for tax cuts for the super-rich. While Labour protects working people with no tax rises on their payslips, the Tories are bringing out the ghost of Christmas past with these Truss-style tax cuts for millionaires. They haven’t listened and they haven’t learnt.” 6. Row with Nigeria A row erupted earlier in December between Kemi Badenoch and the Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who hit out at the Tory leader for having talked down Nigeria. Ms Badenoch, who was born in the UK but mostly raised in the West African country, previously said "fear was everywhere" during her childhood in Lagos. Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima suggested Ms Badenoch could "remove the Kemi from her name" if she was not proud of her "nation of origin". During a speech, he said his government was "proud" of her "in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin." The audience applauded him as he added: "She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria." He compared her comments to Mr Sunak's pride in his Indian heritage, describing him as "a brilliant young man" who "never denigrated his nation of ancestry". Ms Badenoch's spokesman hit back that she "stands by what she says" and "is not the PR for Nigeria". "She is the leader of the opposition and she is very proud of her leadership of the opposition in this country," he said. "She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She is not going to couch her words." 7. Fumbling words in PMQs In another on-edge moment in PMQs, confusion circled the chamber as Ms Badenoch fumbled her words - which ended up making no sense. Talking about Mr Starmer's Cop29 trip, Ms Badenoch said: "I welcome the Prime Minister back from his trip to Azerbaijan where he has unilaterally made commitments that will make life more experience (sic) back home." MPs in the Commons wondered what she was talking about... As she continued, it became apparent she had meant to say "expensive". She went on: "He has made life more expensive with his unilateral commitments but speaking of making life more expensive, will the Prime Minister confirm that he will keep the cap on council tax?" The PM replied: "She talks of the trip to Cop. I'm very proud of the fact that we're restoring leadership on climate. That will be measured in lower bills, on energy independence and the jobs of the future." He added: "On the question of councils, she knows what the arrangements are." Be the first with news from Mirror Politics BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here . And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan , Jason Beattie , Kevin Maguire , Sophie Huskisson , Dave Burke , Ashley Cowburn , Mikey Smith POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell , hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. 8. Bizarre agreement with PM In another weird PMQs moment in November, Ms Badenoch attacked Labour's economic announcements - including on money for local authorities - before bizarrely agreeing with Mr Starmer's comeback. In her rant, the Tory leader called Rachel Reeves a "copy and paste chancellor" and claimed "it is clear they had not thought through the impact of the Budget". But Mr Starmer hit back and said Labour's October Budget "does not increase tax on working people" and is putting huge investment into the NHS, schools and housing. The PM added: "If she's against those things, she should say so." In response, Ms Badenoch surprisingly agreed: "I'm not against any of those things, of course not, none of us are against any of those things. But he has confirmed that he does not know what is going on. "The Prime Minister probably does not realise that on Monday the Ministry for Communities, Local Government and Housing revealed that councils will need to find an additional £2.4 billion in council tax next year. That is a lot more than £600 million. I know that he has been away, but did the Deputy Prime Minister who runs that department make him aware of their £2.4billion black hole?" Mr Starmer replied: "Let me get this straight, she doesn't want any of the measures in the Budget, but she wants all the benefits. So the budget management is back after two weeks in office. They've learned absolutely nothing. We put forward a Budget which takes the difficult decisions, fixing the £22billion black hole, investing in the future of our country. They say they want all of that, but they don't know how they're going to pay for it - same old Tories." 9. Laughing at MP's question In November Ms Badenoch was called out on social media for laughing after an MP criticised her for saying maternity pay is "excessive". The new Tory leader came under fire at the Conservative Party conference in September that maternity pay had gone “too far”. She rowed back on her comments after widespread criticism, claiming “of course” she believes in maternity pay. But she maintained that maternity pay - as well as minimum wage - was "overburdening businesses" . During the PMqs session, Labour MP Lloyd Hatton asked Mr Starmer : "Members have raised their concerns of a range of damaging policies pursued by the Leader of the Opposition. These include voting against critical investment for our NHS , stating maternity pay is excessive and that the minimum wage is a burden, and even backing harmful backing when last in government." The camera then cut to Ms Badenoch laughing on the opposition benches in the Commons. Ms Badenoch hit back: "The Prime Minister can plant as many questions as he likes with his backbenchers but at the end of the day I am the one he has to face at the despatch box."
Fabregas: ‘I know who has my football in their blood’ at Como
Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the party could not buck the trend in Ireland of junior coalition partners in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail governments losing support in subsequent elections. He said they expected to retain two to three seats out of the 12 they had won in the 2020 election on the back of a worldwide “Green wave”. “Undoubtedly it’s a disappointing result for our party today,” Mr O’Gorman told reporters in Ongar, Dublin. “It’s hard for a smaller party in government, that’s long been the tradition, the history in Ireland. We hoped going into the election to buck that but we haven’t been able to buck that today.” Mr O’Gorman, a candidate in Dublin West, is among the outgoing Green Party TDs in a battle to retain their seats. Culture Minister Catherine Martin, who is fighting to remain a Green Party TD for Dublin Rathdown, said it was a “very tight” race in her four-seat constituency. “We go in (to government) not afraid of that because the issue of the climate and biodiversity crisis is (greater) than our survival,” she said on RTE Radio. “I stand over and am proud of our track record of delivery.” Green candidate in Waterford Marc O Cathasaigh said he would not be “in the shake-up” to retain his seat in that constituency, while junior minister Ossian Smyth looks at risk of losing his seat in Dun Laoghaire. Junior minister Joe O’Brien is expected to lose his seat in Dublin Fingal, Neasa Hourigan is at risk in Dublin Central, while Wicklow’s Steven Matthews garnered just 4% of first preferences. Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who announced his retirement from frontline politics in June, said his party had not had a good day. Arriving at the count centre at the RDS in Dublin, the outgoing environment minister told reporters: “If you don’t get elected you accept that, but you come back stronger and you learn lessons, and we’ve done that in the past and we will do that again.” He added: “No matter what the results today there will be a strong Green Party in Ireland, we have deep roots in the community and it’s a very distinct political philosophy and I think there is still space for that in Irish politics, for sure.” Mr Ryan said he did not believe his decision to retire, and the timing of his announcement, had affected the party’s showing. “Unfortunately – and this is just one of those days – we didn’t get the number of votes,” he said. He added: “We’ll look back and see what are the lessons, and what can we learn and what can we do differently. “It’s just one of those days when we didn’t have a good day.
I’m dreading spending Christmas Day alone while my boyfriend is off galavantingFor Dolphins’ Smith, career season was 8 years in the makingShare Tweet Share Share Email Speed and efficiency are paramount. As consumers and businesses demand faster, more reliable banking services, Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing has emerged as a game-changer. This system has revolutionized how money moves between bank accounts, making it faster, more secure, and cost-effective. But how exactly does ACH processing speed up bank transfers? Let’s explore this essential part of the banking ecosystem. What Is ACH Processing? The Automated Clearing House (ACH) is a network that facilitates electronic payments and transfers between financial institutions. Unlike traditional methods of transferring money, which can take days, ACH processes transfers in batches. This allows for faster and more efficient transactions. ACH is commonly used for various payment types, including payroll deposits, vendor payments, and bill payments. ACH transactions are processed in batches, meaning that several transactions can be processed simultaneously. This significantly reduces the time needed to move funds compared to traditional wire transfers. ACH payments are not only faster but also more affordable, making them a preferred option for businesses and consumers alike. How ACH Processing Speeds Up Bank Transfers ACH processing speeds up bank transfers in several ways. The traditional banking system often relies on physical checks, paper-based transfers, or manual processing, all of which can be slow and prone to errors. ACH eliminates much of the inefficiency by automating the process and allowing for digital transfers. Batch Processing One of the main features of ACH processing is its use of batch processing. Instead of processing each payment individually, ACH systems group multiple transactions into a single batch. This is then transmitted to the receiving bank or financial institution for settlement. Because it processes payments in bulk, ACH significantly reduces the time it takes to complete transactions. For example, payroll processors may use ACH to deposit paychecks for thousands of employees at once. This method is far faster than processing each individual payment manually. By consolidating payments into batches, ACH reduces both the time spent on transactions and the costs associated with each transfer. Reduced Intermediaries Another key feature of ACH is that it minimizes the number of intermediaries involved in the transaction. With traditional bank transfers, there are often multiple parties involved, such as correspondent banks or clearinghouses. These intermediaries can delay the transfer, adding extra time and complexity to the process. With ACH, however, the payment is typically transmitted directly between the sender’s and the recipient’s financial institutions. This streamlining of the process reduces delays and ensures that funds are transferred as quickly as possible. Real-Time Payment Initiatives In recent years, ACH networks have also incorporated real-time payment initiatives. With the introduction of the Same-Day ACH program, for example, payments can be processed and settled on the same day. Previously, ACH payments could take one or two business days to settle, but Same-Day ACH ensures that funds are available much faster. These advancements in ACH processing mean that businesses and consumers no longer need to wait for extended periods for funds to clear. Whether it’s a vendor payment or a personal transfer, Same-Day ACH offers a level of speed and convenience previously unavailable in the traditional banking system . Benefits of ACH Processing for Bank Transfers The benefits of ACH processing go beyond just speed. It also offers numerous advantages for both businesses and individuals. Cost-Effective One of the biggest reasons businesses prefer ACH transfers is the cost savings. Traditional wire transfers often come with high fees, especially for international transactions. In contrast, ACH transfers are typically much cheaper. For businesses that need to process large volumes of payments, this can translate into significant savings over time. Additionally, since ACH payments are fully electronic, there are fewer operational costs associated with them. There’s no need to print, mail, or manually process paper checks, which helps businesses save on materials, postage, and labor. Enhanced Security ACH transfers are often more secure than traditional payment methods. Paper checks are vulnerable to fraud, and wire transfers can be subject to cyber threats. ACH payments, however, rely on encryption and other security measures to ensure that funds are transferred safely. Furthermore, ACH payments are subject to oversight by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), which enforces strict rules to protect against fraud . Convenience For individuals, ACH processing offers a great deal of convenience. Automatic bill payments, such as utility bills and subscription services, can be scheduled through ACH. This removes the need for manual transfers, ensuring that payments are always made on time. Many businesses also offer ACH as a payment option for customers, providing an easy and reliable way to pay for goods and services. For employees, payroll direct deposit is another example of how ACH speeds up banking. Rather than waiting for a paper check, workers can have their pay deposited directly into their bank accounts, often within the same day. This process is not only faster but also eliminates the risk of lost or delayed checks. Reduced Human Error Human error can lead to costly mistakes in the banking system. Manual processes, like writing checks or transferring funds between banks, are prone to errors. ACH automation reduces the need for manual input, minimizing the chances of mistakes. Additionally, ACH transfers are carefully monitored and tracked, making it easier to identify and correct any issues that may arise. Accessibility and Flexibility ACH processing offers flexibility, allowing users to initiate payments on their own schedules. Whether it’s paying bills, sending money to family members, or making a business transaction, ACH provides 24/7 access to funds. This is especially beneficial in our increasingly digital world, where consumers expect instant access to financial services. Common Uses of ACH Transfers ACH transfers are used in many different sectors, serving both personal and business banking needs. Some of the most common uses of ACH include: Payroll Direct Deposit One of the most common uses of ACH processing is payroll direct deposit. Businesses use ACH to deposit employees’ paychecks directly into their bank accounts, ensuring they receive their wages quickly and securely. Bill Payments Many individuals use ACH to automate bill payments, such as utility bills, rent, and credit card payments. By scheduling payments in advance, ACH users ensure they never miss a due date, avoiding late fees and improving their credit scores. Vendor Payments Businesses often use ACH to pay their suppliers and vendors. By using ACH for recurring payments, companies can avoid the hassle of writing and mailing checks. ACH payments are especially useful for B2B transactions, where large amounts of money may be exchanged . Consumer Payments Consumers also use ACH to make one-time or recurring payments for goods and services. Online retailers and service providers often accept ACH payments, making it a convenient way for customers to pay for purchases without relying on credit cards. Tax Payments In some cases, ACH is used for paying taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accepts ACH payments for individuals and businesses. This option is not only faster but also more secure than sending a paper check. Future of ACH Processing As technology continues to advance, the future of ACH processing looks promising. With the rise of real-time payment systems and blockchain technology, the ACH network may become even faster and more efficient in the years to come. Financial institutions are also working on improving the user experience, offering even more options for instant payments and better integration with digital wallets. One area of growth is in the international ACH network. While ACH has long been a U.S.-based system, efforts are underway to expand its reach and allow for faster international transfers. This would make ACH an even more attractive option for global payments. Conclusion Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing has revolutionized the way money moves between bank accounts. By automating and batching transactions, reducing intermediaries, and offering real-time payment options, ACH significantly speeds up bank transfers. This has made it the go-to solution for businesses and consumers who want faster, more secure, and more cost-effective payment methods. With the growing adoption of ACH for everything from payroll to bill payments, it’s clear that this system is here to stay. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect ACH to become even faster and more efficient , providing an even better banking experience for all. Related Items: Automated Clearing House , Real-Time Payment Initiatives , Speeding Up Bank Transfers Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Streamlining Your Business with International Payment Processing and Recurring Payment Solutions CommentsDEAR DEIDRE: I KNOW I’ll end up sitting alone on Christmas Day with my two cats for company while my boyfriend is up to heaven knows what. We’ve been together for two years and he works away most of the time up North. I live in the South. He’s got a business selling cheap household products and says he has to travel to collect stock. He then moves it on at car-boot sales or sells it to small convenience stores. He visits once a month, I cook him a meal and we have sex, but he never wants to know about me. He never wants to talk to me. In fact the only time I really have his attention is for five minutes when he takes me to bed for a bit of passion. When he’s staying, he has an Xbox at my house so he’s either on that or his phone. I’m 34 and he’s 39. I saw some heart emojis come up on a text from somebody and then I found some condoms in his washbag but we never use them. I know he still talks to his ex-wife. They’ve got two kids together. He tells me he stays in an apartment when he’s up in Scotland or Newcastle but he often declines my calls. He won’t allow me the app, Find My Friends so that I can see where he is. I’ve asked him whether I could be with him for Christmas this year but he said, “No love. I’m a busy man.” Am I being taken for a fool? MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE DEAR DEIDRE My raging husband wants to take revenge on my lover with a baseball bat DEIDRE'S STORIES Christie's children grow suspicious DEIDRE SAYS: Even if this man isn’t cheating, ask yourself what exactly does he bring to the party. It sounds like you’re looking for commitment, not a monthly booty call. Is this man capable of offering you that? I see someone who’s taking advantage of your kind hospitality and picking you up and dropping you as he wishes. Don’t take this as a rejection of you. It sounds as if he’s a commitment-phobe with his own issues, possibly with another woman who he’s cheating on too. This is a destructive, dead-end, no-strings-sex arrangement which will only leave you feeling used. Tell him that being casual isn’t right for you. You want a full-on relationship. If he has any serious feelings for you he’ll soon be asking for more. If not, move on. My support pack called Your Lover Not Free will help you to realise that you deserve better. Get in touch with the Dear Deidre team Every problem gets a personal reply from one of our trained counsellors. Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you. You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page or email us at: deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk