Composer of ‘El cervecero’ surprises by meeting with Cueva after asking him to pay 200,000 solesSydney Horne Instagram Sydney Horne , fiancée to LA Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey , gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the team celebrated their holiday season. She posted on Instagram, sharing a peek at the festive feels, fashion, and much more in the details of this holiday night. Holiday Cocktails and Glamorous Décor The first Instagram story Sydney did was a custom drink menu that added a Chargers twist to the night. Cocktail names were playful and named things like "Get It Inked," "Bolts on the Rocks," and "Charged Up." Non-alcoholic drinks, hard seltzers, and a signature beer called "Bolt Up Beer" rounded out the options. (Via Instagram/ @SydneyHorne) She then showed a glimpse of some holiday decorations. A "Merry Christmas" board was surrounded by floral arrangements and garlands with lots of twinkling lights decorating the background of the party. Style and Glamour Steal the Spotlight Sydney didn't waste the opportunity to feature the Chargers' ladies in their fancy evening wear. In another photo, she photographed the cool bar setup, and in her last post, she posted a selfie with her friend Jasmine, who was both looking party ready. (Via Instagram/ @SydneyHorne) The party came in time after the Chargers had given the world a thriller in their 34-27 win over the Denver Broncos, making the party all the more joyful. Chargers Move Toward the Playoffs While the holiday spirit was in full swing, the Chargers remained focused on their postseason journey. With a solid 9-6 record, they sit second in the AFC West , boasting a 92.5% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN’s power index. But the division title is off-limits since the Kansas City Chiefs have already claimed it with a 15-1 record. All the Chargers need is an easy wild-card route, though. A win Sunday against the New England Patriots would cement their spot. Even a loss, given that one of the three teams in the 7-8 category -Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, or Cincinnati Bengals - takes a step back, means they still have a realistic chance to make the postseason. Sydney Horne's Chic Game Day Outfits Sydney is not new to turning heads on game days. During Week 15, when the Chargers faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, she wore a chic denim outfit paired with knee-high boots and subtle makeup. She captioned her game-day snap: “Sundays at sofi” It is indeed the most heartwarming journey of the couple. Sydney and Ladd are childhood sweethearts, and they got engaged in June 2024, a few months after McConkey was drafted by Chargers in April. Also read - Inside Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s Glamorous Post-Game Celebration with Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley
Less than a month after he took over as India’s 22nd Finance Minister, Manmohan Singh presented a Union Budget in July 1991 , that changed the country’s economic trajectory with some of the hard decisions that were desperately needed. The Budget was prepared amid what he termed an acute and deep crisis that was unprecedented in independent India’s history. It is rare for a Finance Minister of any regime to make even a nuanced critique of their own party’s predecessors in office, especially if the party swore by those leaders’ indelible imprint. Manmohan Singh, inarguably India’s most educated leader, was not one to be weighed down by such expectations. In his historic speech to Parliament on July 24, 1991 , Dr. Singh explained in painstaking detail the need for India to embrace a new era of industrial delicensing and economic liberalisation, that paved the way for everything from cars, shoes, burgers and stock market trading accounts that Indians now take for granted, but didn’t hesitate in calling out past mistakes. Editorial on July 25, 1991: Sparing the poor Noting that the efforts of former PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, had given India a ‘well-diversified industrial structure’, Dr. Singh, however, didn’t hesitate to link the genesis of the crisis firmly to policies of the past, including the entry barriers for firms, proliferation of licensing and an increase in monopolies that hurt consumer interests. It is well known that Dr. Singh opened up the doors for foreign investments in myriad sectors during his time as Finance Minister, and subsequently as Prime Minister, when he pushed back on Left allies’ resistance on issues like easing telecom and insurance FDI limits and pursuing the critical India-U.S. nuclear cooperation deal. Related Stories ‘History will indeed remember you kindly’: Allies, former colleagues pay tributes to Manmohan Singh Manmohan Singh, gentleman politician who opened up India’s economy in 1991 However, few would remember his maiden Budget also set the foundations of India’s modern stock market boom as he announced the formation of the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to protect investor interests. Or that he talked passionately against protectionism and batted for consumer interests as well as wealth creators, even has he held strong reservations against “mindless and heartless” conspicuous consumerism — issues that resonate today as well. Former PM Manmohan Singh death reactions LIVE: Allies, former colleagues pay rich tributes It speaks volumes for his sagacity that he could take on the staunchest criticism with a dose of humour or literary references. So when the Left attacked him for drafting a budget policy on the diktats of the World Bank, he joked that the WB’s interests were indeed at work – elaborating it as West Bengal instead. He would also nonchalantly quote Victor Hugo, or Percy Shelley’s ‘Ode to the West Wind’ in response to journalists’ contentious queries, for instance. He also peppered his famous Budget speech with a gem about his wife being ‘very unhappy’ since he was appointed the FM. “The House will agree that it is not good for the health of our economy if the Finance Minister has strained relation with his own finance minister at home,” Dr. Singh joked, announcing a tax exemption for household items, particularly tiffin boxes. In his 2007 autobiography The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World ’, former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan credited Dr. Singh for tearing a modest hole in India’s regimented economy in 1991 and demonstrating a little economic freedom and competition can exert extraordinary leverage on economic growth. That task, as any economist would admit in private, remains incomplete, and some of those themes resonate even today if not louder. Dr. Singh’s exit leaves a vacuum in public policy discourse, the absence of which may make it tougher for India to rip apart the hole he managed to tear, in what Mr. Greenspan called India’s Fabian socialism fabric. Published - December 27, 2024 01:07 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit death / politics / Indian National CongressGreen and Jamiel score long TDs and Lehigh rallies to defeat Richmond 20-16 in FCS playoff openerPure Bayanihan: Empowering communities, alleviating poverty
NoneTennesee head football coach Josh Heupel isn’t looking to spend big on the transfer portal this offseason. As The Knoxville News Sentinel’s Adam Sparks notes, the Volunteers are more focused on their loaded incoming 2025 high school class. “Take a second glance at those numbers. UT lost a combined 25 scholarship players from its senior class (13) and the portal (12),” Sparks wrote. “It replenished that with 25 high school recruits in the 2025 signing class. “So if you’re waiting for the Vols to replace all their veteran players through the portal, you may be looking in the wrong place. The math says UT already decided to go younger by stocking the 2025 roster with freshmen rather than a large haul of transfers. “UT will still add transfers at key positions of need. But don’t expect every hole to be plugged through the portal.” After being dominated by Ohio State in the first round of the College Football Playoff , focusing on the Volunteers’ high school class could seem like some to be a concession that the program isn’t ready to win it all just yet. CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah certainly doesn’t think so. Jeyarajah labeled Tennessee a “bubble team” after being embarrassed by the Buckeyes, 42-17. The Vols had arguably the worst performance out of any team in the CFP, but it's not fully their fault. Tennessee had to play against a powerhouse Ohio State team, perhaps the best overall roster in the country. The Buckeyes were mad as hell after losing the finale against Michigan and finally rounded into form. Unfortunately, Tennessee looked far more like a bubble squad than the national contender it hoped to be. In fact, the Vols don't look anywhere close,” Jeyarajah wrote. Heupel playing the long game would probably not be too popular on Rocky Top. Especially not with Nico Iamaleava proving that he can keep this team competitive – at least within the conference. Things change quickly in college football. We'll see if Heupel sticks to his guns on this one.
Texas vs. Texas A&M live score, updates, highlights from 2024 college football rivalry game | Sporting NewsMOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a "tragic incident" following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that Russian air defenses shot down the plane while attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference Saturday at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner "repeatedly" attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane. The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that "relevant services" from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while attempting to land. There were 29 survivors. According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyev's press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to "external physical and technical interference," though he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses. Part of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane lies on the ground Thursday near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan. Aliyev noted the plane had holes in its fuselage and the occupants sustained injuries "due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight." He said that a team of international experts began a probe of the incident at Azerbaijan's initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny. On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack. U.S. President Joe Biden, responding Saturday to a reporter asking whether he thought Putin should take responsibility for the crash, said: "Apparently he did but I haven't spoken to him." Biden made the comment after leaving church in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Passengers and crew members who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it circled over Grozny. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic. Yadrov said after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau. People attend a funeral Saturday for Mahammadali Eganov, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's airport of Aktau at the age of 13, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier this past week, Rosaviatsia cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board. In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed "physical and technical interference" and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didn't say where the interference came from or provide any further details. If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014. Russia denied responsibility but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base. The grave of Mahammadali Eganov, 13, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's Aktau airport, is seen Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan. Following Wednesday's suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities. Several other airlines made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month. Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian country's flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this past week, Israel's El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing "developments in Russia's airspace." Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.None
After his team's 102-89 home win on Wednesday night over Purdue Fort Wayne, Penn State coach Mike Rhoades challenged his team's fan base to show up and make more noise. "Sweat with us," he said at one point. At 5-0, the Nittany Lions haven't had to sweat much to get off to a fast start. They might not have to expend much perspiration to make it 6-0 on Monday when they meet Fordham in a semifinal matchup at the Sunshine Slam tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla. Penn State hasn't played a strong schedule so far, but the team has been impressive. It's averaging 98.2 points per game and 13.8 steals per game, both of which ranked second in Division I through Saturday's play. The Nittany Lions were seventh per kenpom.com in turnover rate, forcing 25.3 per 100 possessions. Point guard Ace Baldwin Jr. is leading the charge, scoring 16.4 points and dishing out 7.8 assists while chipping in 2.6 steals. Zach Hicks has nearly doubled his scoring average from 8.4 last season to 15.8 this season, while Northern Illinois transfer Yanic Konan Niederhauser has beefed up the interior, tallying 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. Meanwhile, Fordham (3-3) is coming off a 73-71 home loss Friday night against Drexel in New York. The Rams blew a seven-point lead early in the second half and missed a chance to force overtime when leading scorer Jackie Johnson III missed a layup as time expired. Johnson, a UNLV transfer, is averaging 19 points per game and is making nearly 48 percent of his shots as one of three Rams with double-figure scoring averages. Jahmere Tripp scores at an 11.0 clip while Japhet Medor is contributed 10.5, but Fordham is struggling to make shots, canning only 41.5 percent from the field. The Rams were picked for a 14th-place finish in the Atlantic 10 despite returning more scoring than any team in the league except for VCU. Third-year coach Keith Urgo thinks his team can defy low external expectations. "We're experienced and I think we're poised to have a tremendous year," he said. --Field Level MediaKenya’s president promises to stop abductions following wave of disappearances | CNNPutin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down
MANY financial changes are coming in 2025 which could affect how much money you have in your pocket. Bus and rail fares will rise, the minimum wage will increase and stamp duty thresholds will be updated. Advertisement 1 We explain all the key money dates that could impact your finances next year Plus, it’s important to remember yearly money dates including the deadline to submit a tax return or when the new financial year begins. Here we explain all the key dates you need in your diary for the New Year. January 1 - energy price cap On January 1 the new energy price cap comes into effect. Households will now pay an average of £1,738 per year for their energy, up from £1,717. Advertisement Read more on benefits TAX-MAS I've been on benefits for 23 years but will spend thousands on Christmas presents ACT FAST Warning for thousands on benefits who risk having payments stopped over Xmas The price cap is used to show how much a typical family with a dual fuel tariff who pays via direct debit could expect to spend on their energy bill each year. But the exact amount you will pay each month will depend on your usage and can be higher or lower than the cap. What to do: There are several things you can do to ease the pain of a price cap rise. The first is to look around for a fixed rate that might be cheaper than the standard variable tariffs based on the cap. Advertisement Most read in Money 'SAD NEWS' 'Genuinely gutted' cry locals as popular Scots eatery announces sudden closure SHOP SHOCK Iconic British high street chain forced to close ANOTHER store after 34 years Exclusive PAY BOOST 20 highest paying jobs in 2025 & you don't need a degree - you could earn £77k GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ The second is to look for ways to minimise your energy usage, which can bring down your overall bills. This could be things like turning the thermostat down a degree, keeping your curtains drawn, and even blocking drafts from chimneys. Longer term, insulation is expensive but can save you thousands of pounds on your bills. Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor, said: "It's still worth shopping around for energy deals - look out for any that might be cheaper than the January price cap when it comes into effect. Advertisement "You should compare what your monthly payments would be on a fixed deal with what you'd expect them to be if you remain with the price-capped variable tariff to see what the best option is for you. "As a rule of thumb, we'd recommend looking for deals cheaper than the price cap, not longer than 12 months and without significant exit fees. "If you're worried about affording your bills this winter, don't suffer in silence. "Speak to your energy company - they are obliged to help you if you're struggling to pay your bills." Advertisement January 1 - bus fares rise On January 1 the bus fare cap will also increase from £2 to £3. The government announced the changes to travel costs in its Budget. The cap will mean that no single bus fare on routes included in the scheme will exceed £3. Meanwhile, routes where fares are less than £3 will only be allowed to increase in line with inflation. Advertisement What to do: You'll need to factor this change into your monthly budget and check to see if there is a travel card that might make it cheaper for you. January 29 - Winter Fuel Payment deadline Thousands of pensioners who receive certain benefits will get a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 this year. Most payments will be made automatically in November or December. If you are eligible you should receive a letter telling you how much you’ll get and which bank account it will be paid into. Advertisement This is usually the same account as your Pension Credit or other benefits. What is the Winter Fuel Payment? Consumer reporter Sam Walker explains all you need to know about the payment. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months. Most who are eligible receive the payment automatically. Those who qualify are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year. If you do meet the criteria but don't automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment, you will have to apply on the government's website. You'll qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if: you were born on or before September 23, 1958 you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 16 to 22, 2024, known as the "qualifying week" you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply: you live in Switzerland or a EEA country you have a "genuine and sufficient" link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK But there are exclusions - you can’t get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain. This is because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK. You will also not qualify if you: are in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you can not claim public funds were in prison for the whole "qualifying week" lived in a care home for the whole time between 26 June to 24 September 2023, and got Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance Payments are usually made between November and December, with some made up until the end of January the following year. What to do: If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29 then you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number. The deadline for you to claim for this winter is March 31, 2025. Advertisement January 31 - Self-assessment tax return deadline Hundreds of thousands of people need to file a self-assessment tax return before January 31 or face a hefty penalty. You may need to do a tax return for several reasons, including if you are self-employed or earn money from savings, tips or commissions. The deadline to submit a paper tax return has passed but you can still complete the forms online. You can find more information about completing a tax return on the Government’s website. Advertisement If you owe any tax then you need to pay it by midnight on the same day. You can do this online, via the HMRC app, through your bank’s app or using online banking. It can take a few days for payments to reach HMRC so try and pay your bill at least a few days ahead of the deadline. There’s usually a second payment deadline of July 31 if you make advance payments towards your bill. Advertisement This is known as “payments on account”. You will also need to pay a penalty if you are late. What to do: You can check if you need to file a tax return by using the online tool on the GOV.UK website. Complete the paperwork online well before the deadline to avoid any mishaps. Advertisement Pay any tax you owe now to avoid being slapped with a hefty fine. February 1 - Alcohol duty freeze ends The freeze on alcohol duty rates was extended until February 1 in the Spring Budget. After this date, alcohol duty rates on all non-draught products will rise in line with the retail price index measure of inflation. This means that the price of some alcohol will increase. Advertisement Draught products, such as beer, which are served in pubs will be exempt to help control prices. What to do: Stock up on your favourite beverages ahead of this deadline to avoid being affected by price rises. February 6 - Bank of England base rate In February the Bank of England’s rate-setting committee will meet for the first time to decide whether to cut interest rates. If the Bank decides to cut interest rates then it could mean that savings rates fall and mortgages get less expensive. Advertisement Interest rates were cut twice this year, in August and November. It is expected that interest rates will fall even further in 2025 but they are unlikely to return to the levels seen for more than a decade. What to do: If experts think the base rate is likely to increase, then you should consider whether you’re getting the best mortgage deal. You can apply for and hold a mortgage rate for up to six months. Advertisement If you have a fix coming to an end or you’re on a standard variable rate, it’s worth speaking to a broker before any MPC decision and securing a rate. You can always shop around for another one if rates fall. It's also a good time to check whether your savings, and any debts are in the best place possible. Check whether you can find lower interest for credit cards, or higher paying savings accounts depending on what the MPC announces. Advertisement February 25 - Energy price cap published The next energy price cap will be published on February 25. This will control how much an energy supplier can charge for every unit of energy used between April 1 to June 30. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply. The cap has risen the last two times it has been reviewed and could rise again in February. As a result, energy bills could become more expensive. Advertisement What to do: Check if you would be better off locking into a fixed energy deal if you are on a variable tariff. March 2 - train fares rise by 4.6% Rail fares are set to increase by 4.6% in March after the government revealed the plans in its Budget document. The cost of most railcards will also rise by £5, which is equal to almost 17%. What to do: As train travel gets more expensive, railcards are likely to become better value for money, particularly if you’re a regular traveller. Advertisement National Rail has plenty available including for young people up to 30, disabled people, family and friends, network rail, seniors, veterans and two people travelling together. Currently, most cost £30 for one year or £70 for three, so it’s worth buying now before prices rise. If you’re a commuter, it might also be worth checking whether an annual ticket might be cheaper, if you don’t have one already. March 31 - Household support fund applications close Struggling households have until March 31 to apply for the Household Support Fund which can help them to make ends meet. Advertisement The government has provided £421 million of funding to local authorities to help hard-up families and pensioners. The money will help to pay for gas, electricity or food. Payments will be made in cash or vouchers. The amount you will get depends on your local authority and what support is available. Advertisement If you think you are eligible then apply as soon as possible. Councils only have a certain amount of money to give out to residents and once it is gone you will miss out. What to do: Check if you are eligible for help and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out. April 1 - household bills increase The cost of several household bills will rise from April 1. Advertisement Council tax bills in England will rise by up to 5% from April, which will add an extra £100 to a typical bill. The exact amount your bill will rise depends on where you live and what band your property is in. Water regulator Ofwat has forecast that bills will rise by £27.40 next year, pushing up the average household water bill to £473. Meanwhile, the cost of a TV licence will increase by £5 to £174.50 , the Government announced in December. Advertisement What to do: Most of the changes will happen automatically and there’s not much you can do, but you can plan in advance. Start thinking now about how you can cut costs to accommodate rising bills. For anything where you can choose your provider, such as mobile phones and broadband, it’s worth shopping around to make sure you’ll be getting the best deal. April 1 - minimum wage rise and National Living Wage Meanwhile, the National Living Wage is also set to increase on the same day. Advertisement The living wage for those aged over 21 will rise by 77p to £12.21 an hour from April 1. The rate for 18-20-year-olds will increase by £1.40 to £10. Apprentices will get £7.55 an hour, a £1.15 increase. The Government wants to eventually introduce a single minimum wage for all ages. Advertisement What to do: Rises will come in automatically for those who earn the national living or minimum wages and you don’t need to do anything. For anyone on a higher salary, this could be a good opportunity to negotiate an increase with your employer. If you do get a pay rise, it often makes sense to increase your pension contributions. After all, if you’ve never had the money, you won’t miss it. Advertisement Equally, diverting more money to savings at the beginning of the month can help you save for emergencies or big spends such as holidays. April 5 - end of the tax year Unlike the calendar year, the tax year runs from April to April each year. This can be important if you want to save a lot of money in an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or junior version. You can pay up to £20,000 into an Isa each year. Advertisement Meanwhile, Junior Isas have a limit of £9,000 a year. You cannot roll over any unused allowance to the next tax year. What to do: If you have an ISA, this is the last chance to use up any of the 2024/2025 allowance. It’s also when your annual pension allowance ends, so a good opportunity to get any last minute payments in if you think you might reach the limit next year. Advertisement April 5 - deadline to top up state pension One important date is April 5, when the rules about filling historic gaps your NI record change. Currently, you can buy national insurance years going back to 2006 to top up your record, but from April this will change to just 6 years. Your national insurance record determines how much state pension you get, and you need 35 years of contributions or credits to get the full amount. What to do: Check your state pension record and see if there are any gaps. Advertisement Use HMRC’s new online tool which tells you how much it would cost to fill different years and what effect that would have on your pension. April 5 - tax credits finish Universal Credit is replacing tax credits in 2025. After April 5 tax credits will end and no further payments will be made. Those who are eligible will be moved over to Universal Credit. Advertisement They will get a letter from the Government to tell them that they need to switch. If you do not claim by the deadline in that letter then your existing tax credit payments will stop, even if you just renewed your claim. If you claim tax credits and are over the state pension age then you will be asked to apply for Universal Credit or Pension Credit, depending on your situation. What to do: If you need to apply for new benefits then you should do so before this deadline. Advertisement You could miss out on some money if you apply after this date. There should be information on how to apply in the Government letter. April 6 - state pension rises The state pension will rise by £472 a year for millions of pensioners on April 6 as part of the triple lock guarantee. This ensures that payments rise in line with wages, inflation or 2.5% - whichever is highest. Advertisement How does the state pension work? AT the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 - but it's due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046. The state pension is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach State Pension age. But not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record. For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income , as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings. The new state pension is based on people's National Insurance records. Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension. You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit. If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions. To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits. You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension. Those on the basic and new state pension will see their payments rise by 4.1%. From next year pensioners on the full new state pension will get £230.25 a week. Meanwhile, retirees on the full old basic state pension will receive £176.45 a week. What to do: Make sure that your contact details are up to date. Advertisement Check what day of the week your state pension should be paid . April 6 - Help to Save scheme expanded On the same day, the Help to Save scheme will be expanded to anyone who works and claims Universal Credit. Help to Save is a savings account which can be opened by people who are entitled to Working Tax Credit or receive Universal Credit and meet certain criteria. Those with the account get a bonus of 50p for every £1 they save over four years. Advertisement They can save between £1 and £50 every calendar month and do not have to pay in money every month. Currently, those who get Universal Credit must earn £793.17 or more each month to be eligible. But anyone earning at least £1 a month who claims Universal Credit will be able to apply from April. What to do: If you want to join Help to Save then you can apply through the Government Gateway. Advertisement You do not need to submit any paperwork as HMRC will assess whether you are eligible. If you have problems applying then you can call the Help to Save service on 0300 322 7093. May 1 - NHS prescription charges could rise The NHS increased prescription charges from May 1, 2024. The cost of a single prescription rose by 25p to £9.90. Advertisement Meanwhile, the cost of a prepayment certificate rose by £2.90 to £114.50. The Government may decide to do the same in 2025. It is not yet clear how much prescription costs could rise by next year. What to do: If you get lots of prescriptions, consider a Prescription Prepayment Certificate. Advertisement These cover all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. The NHS says you will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months. The prescription charge in England is currently £9.90. A PPC costs: £32.05 for 3 months £114.50 for 12 months If you’re on benefits or a low income you might be eligible for free prescriptions. Advertisement You can use the eligibility checker here to find out. May 26 - energy price cap published By May 26 the energy regulator Ofwat will announce the energy price cap for July 1 to September 30. This will decide how much households will pay for their gas and electricity during the summer months. What to do: Check how much you are spending on your gas and electricity each month. Advertisement Compare it to how much you would pay if you locked into a fixed tariff to see whether you could save money. June 30 - Radio Teleswitch service turned off The Radio Teleswitch Service uses radio signals to tell some electricity meters to switch between peak and off-peak rates. It will be shut down and the service which uses it will end on June 30, 2025. Homes which use this service for their heating and hot water could be impacted if they are not upgraded. Advertisement What to do: If you think you could be affected then contact your energy supplier to check if your meter needs replacing. June 30 - Mortgage guarantee scheme closes The mortgage guarantee scheme allows lenders to offer 95% deals for first-time buyers and people who want to move home. To be eligible they must have a deposit of between 5% and 9.99%. What help is out there for first-time buyers? GETTING on the property ladder can feel like a daunting task but there are schemes out there to help first-time buyers have their own home. Help to Buy Isa - It's a tax-free savings account where for every £200 you save, the Government will add an extra £50. But there's a maximum limit of £3,000 which is paid to your solicitor when you move. These accounts have now closed to new applicants but those who already hold one have until November 2029 to use it. Help to Buy equity loan - The Government will lend you up to 20% of the home's value - or 40% in London - after you've put down a 5% deposit. The loan is on top of a normal mortgage but it can only be used to buy a new build property. Lifetime Isa - This is another Government scheme that gives anyone aged 18 to 39 the chance to save tax-free and get a bonus of up to £32,000 towards their first home. You can save up to £4,000 a year and the Government will add 25% on top. Shared ownership - Co-owning with a housing association means you can buy a part of the property and pay rent on the remaining amount. You can buy anything from 25% to 75% of the property but you're restricted to specific ones. Mortgage guarantee scheme - The scheme opens to new 95% mortgages from April 19 2021. Applicants can buy their first home with a 5% deposit, it's eligible for homes up to £600,000. The scheme allows lenders to offer more mortgages with smaller deposits, helping thousands of people to get on the property ladder. Advertisement But it will close to applicants on June 30, 2025. What to do: This may see some lenders stopping 95% mortgages or making them more expensive, so if you’re planning to buy, do so before the scheme ends. You can hold a mortgage offer for up to six months, so it’s worth applying even if you won’t be ready to move for a couple of months after the deadline. July 1 - Energy price cap updated The energy price cap for July 1 to September 30 will come into force on this day. Advertisement British Gas estimates that on this day the price cap will fall from £1,810 to £1,775. If true, the decrease would save customers £35 a year. What to do: Take a meter reading before the new price cap comes into force. This will ensure that you are charged accurately for the energy you used before prices changed. Advertisement Every supplier has their own policy on when you can submit a meter reading after the new cap comes in. Check with yours how long you have to take one and submit it. July 31 - Payment on account deadline The deadline to make a second payment on account is July 31. Payments on account help you to spread the cost of your tax bill by splitting it into instalments. Advertisement Each payment is half of the tax you owed last year. They must be paid by midnight on January 31 and July 31. What to do: You can check how much you owe and make payments through your online government account. There is also an HMRC tool which you can use to check if you need to pay. Advertisement August 1 - Student fees rise The maximum fees that universities can charge will rise from £9,250 to £9,535 a year. This will be the first increase since a freeze introduced in 2017. What to do: You can get a student loan to cover your fees. August 20 - July inflation figures released Inflation figures for July will be published on August 20, 2025. This figures are used to calculate how much rail fares will increase by the following year. Advertisement The exact amount that rail fares will increase by is usually confirmed around the time the government publishes its Budget. What to do: Keep an eye out for announcements around how this will impact prices in 2026. September 15 - First day to claim Winter Fuel Payment To get the Winter Fuel Payment you must have received certain benefits such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit between September 16 and 22. This is known as the “qualifying week”. Advertisement If the same rules apply next year then the qualifying week will begin on September 15. What to do: Apply for any benefits which would make you eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment well ahead of September. If you already receive a qualifying benefit then ensure you will receive it during the qualifying week. September 16 - Wage figures published On this date the government will publish its September labour market figures, which are used to calculate state pension rates. Advertisement The state pension increases every April in line with September wage figures, inflation or 2.5%, whichever is highest. In 2024 the state pension was increased in line with wages, which rose by 4.1%. What to do: Wait until the Government confirms how much the state pension will rise in 2026. Check how much you could be entitled to so you can manage your budget the following year. Advertisement October 1 - Energy price cap updated The energy price cap for the October 1 to December 31 period will come into effect on this day. The amount that a typical family can expect to pay during this period will be published on August 27. What to do: Take a meter reading and send it to your energy supplier before the new price cap comes in. October 5 - Deadline to register for self-assessment If you need to file a tax return then the deadline to register with HMRC is October 5. Advertisement You may need to do a tax return if you are self-employed and earned more than £1,000 last year or if you are in a business partnership. To register visit the Gov.uk website. What to do: To register, follow the instructions on the government’s website . October 22 - September inflation figure published On October 22 the inflation figure for September will be published. Advertisement This is important because it is used to calculate how much benefits, the state pension and tax credits will rise. The September inflation figure is used as part of the triple lock guarantee. If it is higher than the wage figures published on September 16 and 2.5% then it will be used in the calculations. The government usually confirms the exact amount that the state pension will rise at a later date. Advertisement What to do: Check the figures announced to understand how your payments from April 6, 2026 might be affected. October 31 - Paper tax return deadline The deadline to submit a paper tax return is usually midnight on October 31 every year. These forms can be downloaded from the Government website or you can request them by telephone. They are then posted to the tax office, where they are registered. Advertisement It can take a few days for the tax office to receive your paper tax return in the post. Submit it a few days ahead of this deadline to make sure it arrives on time. What to do: You can download the form here or ring HMRC and ask them to send you one. If you miss the deadline, you should submit as soon as possible. Advertisement If you’re able to file digitally, there is a later deadline of January 31. November - Budget We don't know when the Budget will be, but it's likely to be November. What to do: Keep an eye on the Sun’s money pages throughout Autumn, where we will update you on the date of the budget and all the experts’ predictions for what it will include. November 28 - Black Friday Black Friday will start on November 28 and will end on December 1 in 2025. Advertisement Although it was originally an American celebration, it has now become a worldwide shopping event. What to do: Keep an eye out for deals and discounts in the run-up to Black Friday as some shops launch their offers early to entice shoppers. Read more on the Scottish Sun 'DISGUSTING' Festive fly-tippers slammed for dumping mountains of rubbish at Scots Asda GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk . Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories AdvertisementRice 35, South Florida 28
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ATSG Stock Alert: Halper Sadeh LLC Is Investigating Whether the Sale of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. Is Fair to ShareholdersIn his first visit to the Delhi High Court the Chief Justice of India showed his gratitude to the High Court while reminiscing about his journey from the bar to the bench and then becoming the Chief Justice of India (CJI). "Whatever I have achieved as a lawyer and then as a judge and as a human being. I owe everything to this institution," Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna said at a felicitation function organised by the Delhi High Court Bar Association to celebrate his appointment as the 51st Chief Justice of India. Addressing the gathering which comprised of judges of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court along with the advocates, the CJI described the place as his home where he practised as an advocate for 22 years and was sitting as a judge for 13 years. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to various members of the bar and bench acknowledging the invaluable lessons that he learnt over the years. Reflecting upon the stature of the Delhi High Court Justice Khanna said that the Delhi High Court is a preferred forum for issues regarding intellectual property rights and the court for all citizens who want to invoke constitutional rights, commercial disputes, and arbitration. He also lauded the High Court for its technological advancements. "What makes us the best high court? I think there are 3 facets to it, first, a stellar bar comprising of subject matter experts across the field, second, a bench distinguished by competent and judges, and third, efficient case management system. Nowhere in the country we can have a case listed the very next day," he said in the speech. The CJI also praised the Delhi High Court for the fact that it has the highest number of women advocates who have been elevated as judges and that nobody in the court is treated as an outsider. "You come, you become a part and parcel of this court, and you're loved, and you get work from everybody and anybody. In the court also, we follow what is called, I feel, identity free practice, where identities do not matter. That's a very big plus point," he added. Concluding his speech, he said that his primary aim to come back to the Delhi High Court was to come back to his court, his home and express his gratitude. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Delhi and around the world.
Delray Beach (US), Dec 29 (AP) A high-speed passenger train collided with a fire truck at a crossing Saturday morning in Florida, injuring three firefighters and at least a dozen train passengers, authorities said. The crash happened at 10:45 am in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel reported. Also Read | Earthquake in UAE: Light Quake of Magnitude 2.2 on Richter Scale Hits Falaj Al Mualla. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. Also Read | Azerbaijan Airline Plane Crash: Russian President Vladimir Putin Apologises to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev After Fatal Flight 8432 Crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Amaral said. Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the crash. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline's high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing along the railroad's route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 — giving the railroad the worst death rate in the nation. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths. Railroad safety has been a concern since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, spilling toxic chemicals that caught fire. Regulators urged the industry to improve safety and members of Congress proposed a package of reforms, but railroads have not made many major changes to their operations and the bill has stalled. Earlier this month the two operators of a Union Pacific train were killed after it collided with a semitrailer truck that was blocking a crossing in the small West Texas town of Pecos. Three other people were injured, and the local Chamber of Commerce building was damaged. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)NoneThe Irish General Election 2024 will be held on Friday, November 29 after Irish President Michael D. Higgins dissolved the 33rd Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament) at the request of Taoiseach Simon Harris on November 8. The last Irish General Election was held in February 2020. In the Irish General Election 2024, the number of members in the Dáil (Teachtaí Dála, "TDs") will increase to 174 from 160, and the number of Dáil constituencies will increase to 43 from 39. In Ireland, the party that wins the most Dáil seats gains control - or, sometimes, multiple parties will agree to govern as a coalition. The leader of the party in control is typically voted into office as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) by the Dáil when it enters session following the election. The outgoing Dáil saw three parties form a coalition to win control - Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and The Green Party. Leo Varadkar (Fine Gael) and Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil) both served as Taoiseach during this term of the Dáil Éireann, while Simon Harris (Fine Gael) is the current Taoiseach. Ireland's Electoral Commission says that there are currently 30 political parties registered to contest elections in Ireland. RTÉ News reports that there are 20 parties running candidates in this year's election, as well as 171 Independents who are part of no party. In the 2020 Irish General Election, nine different parties won seats in the Dáil - Fianna Fáil (38 seats), Sinn Féin (37), Fine Gael (35), Greens (12), Labour (6), Social Democrats (6), People Before Profit - Solidarity (6), Aontú (1), and Independents for Change (4). 19 Independents also won seats. According to RTÉ News , there are 686 candidate nominations in the running to contest the Irish General Election 2024. RTÉ notes that no single party is fielding enough candidates to win a majority on its own in the next Dáil. On Wednesday evening, less than two days before polls open, a Red C / Business Post opinion poll of more than 1,000 people had Fianna Fáil in the lead by a slim margin: Ireland uses proportional representation (PR) for voting in elections, with each voter having a single transferable vote (STV). In this system, voters can choose to vote for as many, or as few candidates as they like, in order of their preference. The voter’s first preference vote – the candidate they give their number 1 vote to – is most important and is always counted. A voter’s second (and further preferences) may be counted if their preferred candidate is eliminated at the end of a round of counting, or is elected with a surplus. These are known as transfers. Counting the votes sometimes day several days to complete. Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! General Election 2024 slogan: "Moving Ireland forward, together." General Election 2024 issues: Helping families and businesses cope with high prices; A major programme of investment and reform in health services; Further expanding homebuilding and support for first-time buyers and renters; Support for safe, clean and successful communities; Protecting Ireland’s economy and its voice in Europe and the wider world; Investment in schools and all levels of education. Party leader: TD Micheál Martin, since 2011. Martin is currently Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs; he served as Taoiseach from June 2020 through December 2022. Seats won in 2020: 38, the most of any one party. Candidates running in 2024: 82. (83 if you include Seán Ó Fearghaíl, the current who is automatically re-elected as a member of the next Dáil.) Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read Fianna Fáil's General Election Manifesto 2024 here . Micheál Martin. General Election 2024 slogan: "Securing your future." General Election 2024 issues: Giving our children the best start in life; Delivering homes and building better communities; Having a fair but firmer migration and criminal justice system; Protecting the economy and investing in your future. Party leader: TD Simon Harris. Harris has been serving as Taoiseach since April 2024 following the shock resignation of party colleague Leo Varadkar which was announced in March. Seats won in 2020: 35, the third most of any one party. Candidates running in 2024: 80. Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read Fine Gael's General Election 2024 manifesto here . Simon Harris. (RollingNews.ie) General Election 2024 slogan: "Greens deliver." General Election 2024 issues: Climate action that makes life better; More homes in the right places; Support for children and families. Party leader: TD Roderic O'Gorman, since July 2024. O'Gorman, currently Ireland's Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, became leader of the Greens upon Eamon Ryan's resignation in June after 13 years at the helm. Seats won in 2020: 12. Candidates running in 2024: 43. Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read The Green Party's General Election 2024 manifesto here . Roderic O'Gorman. (RollingNews.ie) General Election 2024 slogan: "The choice for change." General Election 2024 issues: Housing; Health; €10 a day childcare; Scrap the USC for average workers; Abolish the means test for carers; Planning for Irish Unity; Tackling government waste; Investing in communities. Party leader: TD Mary Lou McDonald, since 2018. McDonald is currently the leader of the Opposition in the Dáil. Seats won in 2020: 37, the second most of any one party. Candidates running in 2024: 71. Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read Sinn Féin's General Election 2024 manifesto here . Mary Lou McDonald. (RollingNews.ie) General Election 2024 slogan: "Building better together." General Election 2024 issues: Housing; Cost of living; Climate; Work; Health; Childcare. Party leader: TD Ivana Bacik, since March 2022. Seats won in 2020: 6. Candidates running in 2024: 32. Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read Labour's General Election 2024 manifesto here . Ivana Bacik. (RollingNews.ie) General Election 2024 slogan: #ForTheFuture, #ItStartsHere General Election 2024 issues: Building 50,000 affordable purchase homes; Fully implementing Sláintecare; Reaching climate targets; Appointing a full cabinet Minister for Disability; Building high quality public childcare. Party leader: TD Holly Cairns, since March 2023. Seats won in 2020: 6. Candidates running 2024: 26. Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read Social Democrats' General Election 2024 manifesto here . Holly Cairns. (RollingNews.ie) General Election 2024 slogan: "End 100 years of Fine Fail / Fine Gael. Another Ireland is possible." General Election 2024 issues: Provide affordable housing; Stop rising inequality and protect the many from the Cost of Living Crisis; Provide public services free at the point of delivery; Provide care for those who need it; Cut carbon emissions and protect our biodiversity; Defend our neutrality and protect refugees; and Stand with Palestine. Party leader: TD Richard Boyd-Barrett, since October 2024. The party had previously run under collective ownership. Seats won in 2020: 6. Candidates running 2024: 42. Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read People Before Profit-Solidarity's General Election 2024 manifesto here . Richard Boyd-Barrett. (RollingNews.ie) General Election 2024 slogan: " #AontúAccountability." General Election 2024 issues: Economic justice; Fix political culture; Unified economy; Right to Life; Brexit & Irish Unity; Jobs & employment; Environment; Farming & Rural Ireland; Health; Irish Language; Regional Development; Workers' Rights; Housing Crisis; Crime & Antisocial Behaviour; Safeguarding Values; Immigration. Party leader: TD Peadar Tóibín, since January 2019. Seats won in 2020: 1. Candidates running 2024: 28. 10 Peadar Tóibín. (RollingNews.ie) General Election 2024 slogan: " Common Sense Solutions for a Better Ireland." General Election 2024 issues: Affordable homes for “Generation rent, Declare a housing emergency; More healthcare staff, reduced waiting lists, easier access to care; Freeze “Green taxes” reward workers, support older people; 1 Billion Euros in additional supports for agriculture; Secure our borders, new courts to deal with illegal immigration; Tough on crime, safer cities and safer rural communities. Party leader: TD Michael Collins, since November 2023. Seats won in 2020: 0. (Party founded in 2023). Candidates running 2024: 28. Social Media: Website , Facebook , X . You can read Independent Ireland's General Election 2024 manifesto here . Michael Collins. (RollingNews.ie) Other parties also running candidates in the Irish General Election 2024 are the Irish People (21 candidates), Irish Freedom Party (16), National Party (9), Liberty Republic (6), Centre Party of Ireland (3), Independents 4 Change (3), Party for Animal Welfare (3), Rabharta (3), Ireland First (2), 100% Redress (1), and Right to Change (1).