首页 > 

ps 78

2025-01-21
How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts to a mixed close in thin trading following a holiday pause Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. FDA proposes new testing rules to ensure cosmetics are asbestos-free WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration is proposing a rule that cosmetic companies would have to take extra steps to ensure that any products containing talc are free of asbestos. The rule was proposed Thursday and is intended to reassure consumers about the safety of makeup, baby powder and other personal care products. The rule follows years of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other companies alleging links between talc-based baby powder and cancer. Research has found mixed evidence of a potential link between cancer and talc, although the possibility has been recognized for decades because of how it is mined.he bitter feud between former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has spilled over into the legal sphere, after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named the party’s secretary-general a suspect in a bribery case and banned another senior politician from leaving the country. The KPK named on Monday secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto a suspect for allegedly aiding former party member Harun Masiku in a bribery case and obstructing justice by helping him flee. Harun is accused of bribing then General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Wahyu Setiawan in 2019 for a seat in the House of Representatives following the death of a PDI-P lawmaker-elect. Harun has been a fugitive since being named a suspect in 2020. The on Hasto and former law minister Yasonna Laoly, preventing them from leaving Indonesia for six months starting on Tuesday. Hasto has been a staunch critic of Jokowi’s alleged interference in the February presidential election, accusing him of using state resources to support Gerindra Party chairman , who eventually won with his running mate , Jokowi’s eldest son. Yasonna is not a suspect in the case. He was questioned by KPK investigators earlier this month regarding Harun’s overseas travel records while he led the former law and human rights ministry, which had jurisdiction over immigration. Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.ps 78



Ginger Gaetz Posts 'Unemployment Never Looked So Good' After Husband Confirms He Won't Return to Congress

S.Korea's acting president faces impeachment voteNoneSedgwick shares major trends in Forecasting 2025 report

Finland shares higher at close of trade; OMX Helsinki 25 up 0.67%Grandson of former commandant of Auschwitz on rise of antisemitismPM touts economic plans

ATLANTA — As she checked into a recent flight to Mexico for vacation, Teja Smith chuckled at the idea of joining another Women’s March on Washington. As a Black woman, she just couldn’t see herself helping to replicate the largest act of resistance against then-President Donald Trump’s first term in January 2017. Even in an election this year where Trump questioned his opponent’s race, held rallies featuring racist insults and falsely claimed Black migrants in Ohio were eating residents’ pets, he didn’t just win a second term. He became the first Republican in two decades to clinch the popular vote, although by a small margin. “It’s like the people have spoken and this is what America looks like,” said Smith, the Los Angeles-based founder of the advocacy social media agency, Get Social. “And there’s not too much more fighting that you’re going to be able to do without losing your own sanity.” After Trump was declared the winner over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, many politically engaged Black women said they were so dismayed by the outcome that they were reassessing — but not completely abandoning — their enthusiasm for electoral politics and movement organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote in their communities. They had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Harris, who would have been the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to win the presidency. Harris’ loss spurred a wave of Black women across social media resolving to prioritize themselves, before giving so much to a country that over and over has shown its indifference to their concerns. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy in the United States was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, with Trump set to return to office in two months, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. “America is going to have to save herself,” said LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the national voting rights group Black Voters Matter. She compared Black women’s presence in social justice movements as “core strategists and core organizers” to the North Star, known as the most consistent and dependable star in the galaxy because of its seemingly fixed position in the sky. People can rely on Black women to lead change, Brown said, but the next four years will look different. “That’s not a herculean task that’s for us. We don’t want that title. ... I have no goals to be a martyr for a nation that cares nothing about me,” she said. AP VoteCast paints a clear picture of Black women’s concerns. Black female voters were most likely to say that democracy was the single most important factor for their vote, compared to other motivators such as high prices or abortion. More than 7 in 10 Black female voters said they were “very concerned” that electing Trump would lead the nation toward authoritarianism, while only about 2 in 10 said this about Harris. About 9 in 10 Black female voters supported Harris in 2024, according to AP VoteCast, similar to the share that backed Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Trump received support from more than half of white voters, who made up the vast majority of his coalition in both years. Like voters overall, Black women were most likely to say the economy and jobs were the most important issues facing the country, with about one-third saying that. But they were more likely than many other groups to say that abortion and racism were the top issues, and much less likely than other groups to say immigration was the top issue. Despite those concerns, which were well-voiced by Black women throughout the campaign, increased support from young men of color and white women helped expand Trump’s lead and secured his victory. Politically engaged Black women said they don’t plan to continue positioning themselves in the vertebrae of the “backbone” of America’s democracy. The growing movement prompting Black women to withdraw is a shift from history, where they are often present and at the forefront of political and social change. One of the earliest examples is the women’s suffrage movement that led to ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. Black women, however, were prevented from voting for decades afterward because of Jim Crow-era literacy tests, poll taxes and laws that blocked the grandchildren of slaves from voting. Most Black women couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Black women were among the organizers and counted among the marchers brutalized on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, during the historic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery that preceded federal legislation. Decades later, Black women were prominent organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police and vigilantes. In his 2024 campaign, Trump called for leveraging federal money to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government programs and discussions of race, gender or sexual orientation in schools. His rhetoric on immigration, including false claims that Black Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs, drove support for his plan to deport millions of people. Tenita Taylor, a Black resident of Atlanta who supported Trump this year, said she was initially excited about Harris’ candidacy. But after thinking about how high her grocery bills have been, she feels that voting for Trump in hopes of finally getting lower prices was a form of self-prioritization. “People say, ‘Well, that’s selfish, it was gonna be better for the greater good,”’ she said. “I’m a mother of five kids. ... The things that (Democrats) do either affect the rich or the poor.” Some of Trump’s plans affect people in Olivia Gordon’s immediate community, which is why she struggled to get behind the “Black women rest” wave. Gordon, a New York-based lawyer who supported the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s presidential nominee, Claudia de la Cruz, worries about who may be left behind if the 92% of Black women voters who backed Harris simply stopped advocating. “We’re talking millions of Black women here. If millions of Black women take a step back, it absolutely leaves holes, but for other Black women,” she said. “I think we sometimes are in the bubble of if it’s not in your immediate circle, maybe it doesn’t apply to you. And I truly implore people to understand that it does.” Nicole Lewis, an Alabama-based therapist who specializes in treating Black women’s stress, said she’s aware that Black women withdrawing from social impact movements could have a fallout. But she also hopes that it forces a reckoning for the nation to understand the consequences of not standing in solidarity with Black women. “It could impact things negatively because there isn’t that voice from the most empathetic group,” she said. “I also think it’s going to give other groups an opportunity to step up. ... My hope is that they do show up for themselves and everyone else.” Brown said a reckoning might be exactly what the country needs, but it’s a reckoning for everyone else. Black women, she said, did their job when they supported Harris in droves in hopes they could thwart the massive changes expected under Trump. “This ain’t our reckoning,” she said. “I don’t feel no guilt.”

Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away

Jimmy Spithill introduces his new Red Bull Italy SailGP TeamSouth Korea's acting president faces an impeachment vote as the Constitutional Court meets for its first hearing in the case of President Yoon Suk-Yeol, who was impeached and suspended from duties after a short-lived martial law. The effort to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has been acting president since Yoon was impeached on December 14, threatens to intensify the political crisis gripping Asia's fourth-largest economy and one of its most vibrant democracies. The unexpected martial law decree and swift political fallout shocked the nation and economic markets, unsettling key allies the United States and Europe which had seen Yoon as a staunch partner in global efforts to counter China, Russia, and North Korea. The plan for a vote to impeach Han was unveiled on Thursday by the main opposition Democratic Party after he declined to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, saying it would exceed his acting role. After Yoon's impeachment, the DP had said in the interest of national stability it would not pursue impeaching Han over his role in the martial law bid. But the party has since clashed with the Yoon-appointed prime minister over the justices, as well as bills calling for special prosecutors to investigate the president. On Thursday Han said it was beyond his remit as a caretaker president to appoint the justices without bipartisan agreement. A party spokesman said Han's refusal amounted to an abuse of power aimed at obstructing Yoon's trial, adding that the prime minister was himself "a key suspect in the rebellion". The leader of Yoon's People Power Party, Kwon Young-se, told reporters that if Han was impeached, that could trigger a new financial crisis, the Yonhap news agency said. Yoon cited a high number of impeachment votes and other obstructionist moves by the DP as part of his justification for trying to impose martial law. He also later said it was needed to investigate questions over election security. The vote to determine Han's fate comes as the Constitutional Court is set on Friday to hold its first hearing in a case that will decide whether Yoon is reinstated or permanently removed from office. The court has 180 days to decide whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him. In the latter scenario, a new presidential election would be held within 60 days. Yoon is not required to attend the hearing and it is unclear if anyone from his legal team will be there. In contrast to South Korea's two previous impeached presidents, Yoon has refused to receive or acknowledge court communications so far. On Thursday a court spokesperson said the hearing would be held regardless of his team's participation, but she did not comment on whether the president would eventually be compelled to respond. If Han is impeached, the finance minister will assume the acting presidency. The Democratic Party has majority control of parliament, but there is disagreement between the parties and some constitutional scholars over whether a simple majority or a two-thirds vote is needed to impeach the acting president. On Thursday the South Korean won weakened to its lowest since March 2009 in holiday-thinned trading amid the US dollar's continued rally. Yoon shocked his country and the world with a late-night announcement on December 3 that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and root out "anti-state forces". The military deployed special forces to the national assembly, the election commission, and the office of a liberal YouTube commentator. It also issued orders banning activity by parliament and political parties, as well as calling for government control of the military. But within hours 190 lawmakers had defied the cordons of troops and police and voted against Yoon's order. About six hours after his initial decree, the president rescinded the order.Justin Thomas with big drives and a few big putts takes 1-shot lead over Scheffler in the BahamasProtests in the streets, turmoil at City Hall, corruption trials galore, historically bad baseball and a massive influx of buzzing arthropods unlike any seen since the 1800s. No wonder so many Chicagoans sought peace at the sidewalk altar of a once-airborne rodent that imprinted itself into a slab of concrete — and into the city’s heart. In a year that had the national spotlight squared on Chicago, the Sun-Times saw it all. Here’s how we’ll remember 2024. Chicago shines for DNC Even Chicago’s famously mercurial weather cooperated through all four days of the Democratic National Convention , which went off without a hitch despite weeks of intraparty uncertainty heading into the spectacle. Mayor Brandon Johnson earned high marks for shepherding a smooth week for thousands of delegates and media from around the world, while Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling enjoyed rave reviews for keeping a reasonable lid on massive protests that mostly focused on the war in Gaza. The made-for-TV pep rally took on heightened excitement following President Joe Biden’s late withdrawal from the race, while some local flair was injected into the national conversation. The party’s new nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, vetted Gov. JB Pritzker as her potential running mate . Pritzker fell short of the ticket and Harris fell short of the White House, leaving Democrats scratching their heads — just like some local business owners, who felt left out of the convention’s much ballyhooed economic boost . Brandon Johnson’s sophomore slump The DNC provided a rare highlight for the first-term mayor, who could warrant his own top-10 list for bad news cycles in 2024. Fault lines started showing early in the year when voters rejected Johnson’s Bring Chicago Home referendum, nixing higher taxes on expensive real estate transactions — money that would have been used to help shelter the city’s unhoused population — and delivering the first major roadblock to his progressive agenda. Johnson saw his City Council support erode as he moved to shut down the city’s controversial ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, and again when he had to defend elevating a top aide with “a history of calling the police “f---ing pigs.” A revolving door on the fifth floor of City Hall included Johnson’s firing of a longtime confidant and spokesman accused of sexual harassment and antisemitism. And don’t forget Johnson’s pick for school board president who lasted all of one week before a troubling history of social media posts — inexplicably missed by Johnson’s office during the hiring process — led to a swift ouster . The political chaos came to a crescendo late in the year as an emboldened Council, by a stunning 50-0 vote, shot down the $300 million property tax hike Johnson had included in his proposed 2025 budget — breaking a campaign promise not to raise them. After a series of budget concessions, Johnson scrapped any property tax hike to win Council approval for a budget that relies heavily on one-time revenues and nickel-and-dime fee increases. Meanwhile, Johnson worked for months to force Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez out of his post , installing an entire school board that voted Dec. 21 to fire him — before the city’s first-ever elected board members had a chance to weigh in. The move raised fresh questions about the overwhelming influence of the Chicago Teachers Union. Preparing for Trump’s return Donald Trump’s resounding victory to retake the White House put officials on notice in Democratic-dominated Illinois, where the Republican president-elect saw a marginal uptick in voter support . Advocates for Illinois’ thousands of undocumented residents braced for the wave of legal questions raised by Trump’s promise of mass deportations, as the incoming administration’s border czar declared Chicago ground zero immigration enforcement raids. The city’s LGBTQ community grappled with similar concerns about the effect of a second Trump term on marriage and parental rights , while health care providers prepared for Illinois to take on an even greater role as the Midwest’s main island of abortion rights . Officials also raced to lock up key federal transit funding for an extension of the CTA Red Line, the type of assistance from Washington that Democrats say Trump may be keen on withholding from the city that has served as his preferred political punching bag. Landmark corruption cases One multi-generational poster boy of Chicago politics saw his federal corruption case come to a head while the fate of another hung in the balance to close out 2024. Ed Burke reported to a downstate prison to begin serving his two-year sentence for racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion convictions , tied to the longtime 14th Ward alderman’s strong-arming of developers to hire his private law firm. Mike Madigan spent weeks in a courtroom listening to federal prosecutors map out his sprawling web of influence as speaker of the Illinois House for jurors who will soon be tasked with deciding if Madigan wielded it to squeeze companies for payments to his political cronies. Natural wonders Cicadas and tornadoes and geomagnetic storms, oh my! Mother Nature kept things interesting for Chicagoans with the first dual-emergence of periodical broods of cicadas in more than 200 years, inundating some parts of the area with the very noisy , mostly harmless and debatably tasty insects. They crawled out of the ground shortly after the latest solar eclipse bedazzled the Midwest, drawing thousands of people to the path of totality that just narrowly missed the city. Some of the freshly unearthed cicadas were still around for the first in a series of rare aurora borealis displays powered by intense solar storms, igniting the northern lights over Lake Michigan even downtown. But the natural marvels weren’t all friendly. Thirty-one Chicago-area tornadoes in July set a new record as more frequent bouts of heavy rain and flooding provided a sobering reminder of the looming impacts of climate change. Up-and-down year for CPD It was a mixed bag for Snelling in his first full year at the helm of the Chicago Police Department. Overseeing a seamless DNC earned the freshman superintendent a growing drumbeat of support from Council members across the political spectrum, especially with his department on pace for fewer than 600 homicides , the lowest yearly toll since before the COVID-19 pandemic. But the killing of 26-year-old Dexter Reed in a hail of 96 bullets during a traffic stop raised new questions about the use of force in the ranks, and a federal monitor last month reminded officials that the department is far behind in its long-running reform effort, reaching full compliance with just 9% of the steps laid out in a consent decree . Domestic violence questions Horrific murder cases put officials’ handling of domestic violence under the microscope, highlighting issues that advocates say have persisted for decades. After 11-year-old Jayden Perkins was killed while defending his mother from an ex-boyfriend who’d been released on parole a day earlier, Gov. Pritzker pushed out two Illinois Prisoner Review Board members and tried to bolster that panel’s domestic violence training . Dozens of elected officials have joined a chorus calling for the reassignment of the Cook County judge who could’ve detained a man before he allegedly killed his wife, Lacramioara Beldie , in Portage Park. Advocates say there has been a spike in such attacks in the past year , increasing the lawmakers’ urgency to pass long-stalled legislation that would require law enforcement to promptly remove firearms while serving orders of protection. Ebb in new arrivals of asylum seekers The influx of thousands of migrants from the southern border that once overwhelmed the city’s social safety net slowed to a trickle under tighter Biden administration deportation policies, ending months of acrimony over city spending that highlighted racial divides in Chicago. Concerns over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sending busloads of migrants to Chicago to embarrass the city during the DNC never materialized. By year’s end the city had closed its migrant landing zone completely as it merged shelter systems for newly arrived asylum seekers and homeless people who have long lived on Chicago’s streets and in its alleys, parks and viaducts. Chicago teams struggle inside and outside the stadium White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf threw his hat in the public financing ring with a splashy pitch for a new South Loop ballpark , but got shut out by state lawmakers who have rejected giving a dime to either them or the Bears — who rolled out their own renderings of a shiny new lakeside dome . That sent the McCaskeys back to the drawing board to consider the old Michael Reese Hospital site, or Arlington Heights, where the team finally reached a property tax deal with local school districts that could grease their suburban wheels. Neither team helped make their case on the field, either, with a pitiful Sox lineup recording the worst season in modern Major League Baseball history and the Bears firing a coach midseason for the first time while squandering what was supposed to be a competitive rookie season for quarterback Caleb Williams , who was drafted first overall in April. Rat hole Rat hole ( noun ) — rodent-shaped imprint on a Roscoe Village sidewalk that drew hordes of curious onlookers for several months in 2024 to the glee of Chicago social media users and chagrin of neighborhood residents. The latest entry into the Chicago lexicon was inscribed in January when photos of the four-legged sidewalk stamp — which some argue was actually left by a squirrel — went viral online, drawing tourists to the 1900 block of West Roscoe with offerings of coins, and prompting at least one couple to tie the knot . The city removed (but preserved) the pseudo-sacred sidewalk in April at the request of nearby residents none too pleased with round-the-clock foot traffic. What’s next for the rat hole? We’ll see in 2025. Other major 2024 stories CTA President Dorval Carter ’s seat got hotter as head of a transit agency beset by long wait times, understaffing and looming budget crises. The city mourned Chicago police officers Luis Huesca and Enrique Martinez , killed on duty in separate shootings. Tipped workers saw their minimum base wages increase en route to eventual parity with the standard minimum wage, in a win for Mayor Johnson and his progressive allies and a loss for restaurant owners . Plans moved forward to transform the long-vacant U.S. Steel South Works into a sprawling quantum computing campus as Illinois positions itself as the Silicon Valley of the nascent technology. Hackers stole the personal data of more than 800,000 people in a cyberattack on the Lurie Children’s Hospital network, causing months of headaches for patients and their families. Chicago rap star Lil Durk was charged in a California murder-for-hire plot. The Illinois Supreme Court overturned actor Jussie Smollett ’s conviction for staging a hate crime, sparing him five months’ jail time. And Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s south suburban media circus played on, with federal investigators circling her push for no-bid contracts to a construction company linked to multiple corruption investigations, among other questionable spending.

Numerology Predictions Today, December 27, 2024: Read your personalized forecast for numbers 1 to 9 Numerology, the mystical study of numbers and their influence on our lives, provides unique insights into our daily experiences and challenges. Based on the vibrational energies of the date and your personal number, today's forecast offers guidance to help you navigate career, relationships, health, and more. Whether you're a determined Number 1 or a compassionate Number 9, discover what the numbers have in store for you on this December day. Let the power of numerology guide your decisions and inspire your path forward. ​1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, and 28th of any month, are blessed with the Number 1) This is not the best time to handle government-related matters or pursue official approvals. You might find delays in payments or decisions, which could heighten your frustration. Stay patient and avoid pushing too hard to resolve such issues immediately, as the cosmic energies favor patience over aggression today. Use this time to reflect on alternative strategies for managing your financial concerns. Additionally, this is a day to maintain a low profile in professional dealings, as miscommunication or hasty decisions may backfire. Embrace flexibility in your approach and consider seeking advice from trusted mentors or colleagues. On the personal front, focus on grounding activities like journaling or meditation to calm your mind. Patience is your greatest ally now, and by practicing it, you'll set the stage for smoother progress in the coming weeks. Remember, persistence and calm can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's victories. ​2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th of any given month, are ruled by the Numerology number 2) Duties and responsibilities may feel overwhelming today, leaving you emotionally drained and longing for some solitude. Your sensitivity is heightened, making you prone to bouts of self-pity. Avoid succumbing to these feelings and remember that this phase is temporary. Instead of retreating entirely, try to focus on small, manageable tasks that don’t demand too much emotional energy. Your lack of sociability today may lead others to misinterpret your actions as aloofness, but this is a day to prioritize self-care rather than external validation. Ground yourself through creative pursuits like music, art, or writing. Channeling your emotions productively will help lighten the emotional load. Be gentle with yourself and avoid harsh self-criticism. Take a step back from heavy conversations and instead focus on activities that bring you peace. By maintaining balance, you’ll find a renewed emotional strength that helps you navigate the days ahead. ​3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th of any month are ruled by the Numerology number 3) Today, you’re feeling highly motivated to tackle unresolved issues, but this determination comes with a heightened level of irritability. You may find it challenging to maintain composure, especially in family interactions, where tensions seem to be simmering. Avoid reacting impulsively to disagreements, as it could escalate minor issues into bigger conflicts. This is an excellent time to focus on communication, but remember to approach discussions with empathy and patience. Professionally, you are driven to clear backlogs and complete tasks, so make the most of this energy to be productive. However, avoid overloading yourself, as this could amplify your edginess. Spend some time reflecting on the root causes of tension, particularly in your personal relationships, and consider proactive steps to resolve them. Meditation or physical exercise can be great outlets for your restless energy. By channeling your focus constructively, you’ll emerge stronger and more in control by day’s end. ​4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st of any given month, are ruled by the Numerology number 4) Today may feel stagnant for you, as your usual drive and focus seem to be lacking. You might find yourself waiting for opportunities to come your way rather than actively pursuing them. This passive approach could lead to frustration if you set unrealistic expectations for things to happen effortlessly. While it’s natural to experience low-energy days, try to reframe this lull as an opportunity for introspection. Use the time to evaluate your goals and align them with actionable steps. Avoid falling into the trap of complacency—small efforts today can prevent bigger hurdles later. In personal relationships, there might be a tendency to withdraw or expect others to reach out first. Instead, take the initiative to nurture connections. Engage in grounding activities like decluttering your space or organizing tasks; these can help you feel a sense of achievement. With patience and gentle effort, this phase will pass smoothly. ​5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 5) You’re feeling sharp and inquisitive today, with a mind that’s probing deeply into various matters. While this mental intensity can be an asset, it may also lead to conflicts if you become too overbearing in expressing your opinions. Be mindful of respecting boundaries in your conversations, as others may feel overwhelmed or defensive if you push too hard. This is a good day for brainstorming and coming up with innovative ideas, but ensure you approach discussions with diplomacy. On the personal front, you may feel a bit restless or impatient with routine activities. Take a short break to indulge in something spontaneous or adventurous—it could recharge your energy and lighten your mood. Balancing your assertiveness with empathy will ensure your ideas are well-received and your relationships remain harmonious. Keep in mind that collaboration often brings better results than confrontation, so seek common ground in your interactions. ​6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 6) Today, you are brimming with energy, but it manifests as aggression and competitiveness, which may not be conducive to smooth interactions with others. Your short temper and impatience can create tension in both personal and professional relationships. Take care to avoid letting minor irritations escalate into significant disputes. Family dynamics may be particularly strained, as your mood makes others hesitant to engage with you. While it’s natural to feel driven, channeling this energy constructively is key. Focus on physical activities like exercise or a creative project to release pent-up frustrations in a healthy way. Professionally, this is not an ideal day to make major decisions or take on new challenges. Instead, use this time to address smaller tasks that require attention to detail. Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness will help you navigate the day with greater ease and prevent your fiery energy from creating unnecessary conflict. ​7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 7) Today, you may find yourself under the influence of a close friend or confidant who suggests a path or decision that doesn’t align with your values. This could cause some inner conflict as you weigh the pros and cons of their advice. Trust your intuition—it is particularly strong today and will guide you to make decisions that are true to your personal integrity. Avoid acting impulsively or succumbing to external pressure. This is also a good day for introspection and spiritual growth. Spending time in solitude, journaling, or meditating can help you process your thoughts and reaffirm your boundaries. Professionally, focus on tasks that require creativity and introspection rather than collaboration. You have the strength to resist compromises that don’t align with your core beliefs. Remember, your authenticity is your greatest asset, and staying true to yourself will bring clarity and peace as the day unfolds. ​8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 8) The daily grind has been taking its toll, and today is the perfect opportunity to step away from your routine. You’re in need of a break to recharge your energy and regain perspective. Consider taking a day off or engaging in activities that spark joy and creativity. This could mean exploring a new hobby, taking a nature walk, or even spending time with loved ones in a relaxed setting. Professionally, try to delegate tasks or prioritize lighter responsibilities to ease the pressure. Avoid overcommitting or taking on new projects today. On the personal front, reconnecting with your inner child by indulging in playful or creative pursuits can bring much-needed relief. This pause will not only rejuvenate your spirit but also allow you to approach future challenges with renewed vigor and insight. Remember, self-care is not indulgence; it’s essential for long-term success and balance. ​9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 9) Today is a day of optimism and confidence for you, making it an excellent time to socialize and share your ideas with others. Your positive aura attracts support and admiration, especially for any projects or ventures you’re working on. This is an opportune moment to network and connect with people who can help you advance your goals. Your leadership qualities shine today, so don’t shy away from taking the initiative in both professional and personal settings. However, ensure you balance your enthusiasm with humility to maintain harmony in relationships. On the personal front, your charisma makes you a source of inspiration to those around you. Use this energy to foster connections and strengthen bonds with loved ones. Trust in your abilities and seize the opportunities that come your way. With your strong self-belief and determination, success is well within your grasp. Visual Stories Malavika Mohanan redefines elegance in a timeless red chiffon saree 9 morning habits to get rid of stomach discomfort 9 popular Korean desserts to try before 2024 ends Inside Alia Bhatt's love-filled Christmas celebration with Ranbir Kapoor, Raha and family 10 perfect baby names for kids born on a Thursday 10 countries with most cancer rates, see where India stands 10 things true friends don't do New Year dishes traditionally prepared in various Indian states In pics: Anil Ambani's grand and luxurious home 'Abode' Bigg Boss Photostories Featured In Astrology

Member of Parliament for St Andrew West Rural, Juliet Cuthbert Flynn says Opposition Leader and People’s National Party President Mark Golding is a man who believes in holding chains to the necks of the Jamaican people. Cuthbert Flynn also says Golding is a man who likes to brag about his riches and should be rejected by Jamaicans in the upcoming General Election. The state minister in the Ministry of National Security made the accusations on Sunday as she addressed the annual conference of the governing Jamaica Labour Party inside the National Arena. Said Cuthbert Flynn: “We have to say no to ‘Marky British’ because he’s a man who love fi show-off, him love fi boast and say him done rich aready. We don’t need a man like that. We have to say no to the man that is leading the PNP who love fi style black people and call them likkle bwoy and likkle lady”. “We have to say no to the man who tell us out of his own mouth that him want to run Jamaica with himself and him topanaris friend dem. We have to say no to the PNP topanaris man and him friend Peter Bunting who’s really the leader because they are the same ones who had a company years ago that benefited from the wicked PNP policies and they made millions off the backs of the Jamaican people,” she added. Cuthbert Flynn implored Jamaicans to “say no to them because we know that we have the better leader. It is very clear that we have to say no to Marky British and yes to our God bless Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness”

Haiti wonders what’s next as gang violence surges and the push for a UN peacekeeping mission flopsRepublicans Lash Out at Democrats' Claims That Trump Intelligence Pick Gabbard Is 'Compromised'( MENAFN - IANS) Mumbai, Dec 27 (IANS) The Indian stock market opened on a high note on Friday amid mixed global cues as buying was seen in the auto, PSU bank, financial service pharma, FMCG and metal sectors on Nifty. At around 9:30 am, Sensex was trading at 78,810.40 after gaining 337.92 points or 0.43 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 23,859 after gaining 108.80 points or 0.46 per cent. The market trend remained positive. On the National stock exchange (NSE), 1,400 Stocks were trading in green, while 503 stocks were in red. According to experts, "as the nation pays homage to Manmohan Singh, the architect of liberalisation in India, investors must be acknowledging with gratitude the wealth created by the Indian stock market after the initiation of liberalisation in 1991." Sensex which was around 1,000 in 1991 has multiplied about 780 times since then to trade above 78,000 now delivering excellent returns to long-term investors. “The market will continue to deliver superior returns to investors in the years to come since the India Growth Story, which liberalisation triggered, is very much intact," they noted. Nifty Bank was up 223.25 points or 0.44 per cent at 51,393.95. Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 57,308.60 after rising 182.90 points or 0.32 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 18,809.45 after rising 80.80 points or 0.43 per cent. On the sectoral front, selling was seen in the IT sector. In the Sensex pack, Indusind Bank, Tata Motors, Zomato, NTPC, ICICI Bank, Tech Mahindra, SBI and M&M were the top gainers. Whereas, HCL Tech, Titan, TCS, L&T and Sun Pharma were the top losers. The Dow Jones gained 0.07 per cent to close at 43,325.80. The S&P 500 declined 0.04 per cent to 6,037.60 and the Nasdaq declined 0.05 per cent to close at 20,020.36 in the previous trading session. In the Asian markets, China and Japan were trading in green while Jakarta, Bangkok, Seoul and Hong Kong were trading in red. "The strongest headwind for the market now is the FII selling triggered by strong dollar (dollar index staying above 108) and attractive US bond yields with the 10-year yielding 4.35 per cent," said experts. "A change in FII strategy from selling to buying will happen when macros indicate recovery in growth and corporate earnings," they added. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 2,376.67crore on December 26, while domestic institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 3,336.16 crore on the same day. MENAFN26122024000231011071ID1109033822 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Previous: m88 products
Next: ps 88 bronx