IMF, Egypt reach deal to unlock $1.2bn to shore up strained public finances
Mitchell scores 32, Idaho defeats Pacific 95-72
BOSTON (AP) — Donald Hand Jr. scored 15 of his career-high 29 points in the first half and grabbed 10 rebounds to help Boston College beat Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70 on Saturday. Chad Venning scored a season-high 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting for Boston College (8-5). Ahmed Barba-Bey was fouled on a 3-point shot and made all three free throws before Terrence Brown converted a three-point play to cut FDU's deficit to five points with 2 minutes left and Barba-Bey’s 3 with 39 seconds left made it 74-70. Hand answered with a layup 10 seconds later and followed with two free throws that capped the scoring with 18 seconds to play. Barba-Bey, a graduate transfer from Division-II Jefferson, hit eight 3-pointers and led Fairleigh Dickinson (4-11) with a career-high 31 points on 10-of-12 shooting. Brown added 20 points and Bismark Nsiah scored 10, all in the second half. Hand hit a 3-pointer that gave Boston College the lead for good with 17:17 left in the first half and scored 13 of the game's first 24, including a three-point play that gave the Eagles a 17-7 lead with 11:58 left before the intermission. Barba-Bey hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut FDU's deficit to four just over a minute later but Boston College scored the next eight points and the Knights got no closer until the second half. Boston College won for just the second time since beating Boise State 63-61 on Joshua Beadle's late 3-pointer to win the Cayman Islands Classic on Nov. 26 and improve to 6-1. The Knights have lost four games in a row overall and are 0-10 away from home this season. Boston College won the lone previous meeting between the programs 72-54 on Dec. 10, 1992. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
South Korea is at the center of a political storm as President Yoon Suk Yeol confronts a pivotal second impeachment vote scheduled for Saturday. His controversial attempt to impose martial law on December 3 triggered a national constitutional crisis, dividing his People Power Party and casting doubt over his continuation in office. Yoon's brief initiative to enforce military rule was rebuffed by parliamentary opposition, causing widespread demand for his resignation. With the legislative opposition already controlling the majority, including 192 out of 300 seats, the impeachment vote looms large. The parliamentary session, slated for 4 p.m. (0700 GMT), is expected to be preceded by mass demonstrations. If impeached, Yoon will retain his title but relinquish authority until the Constitutional Court reaches a decision on his removal or reinstatement. However, economic and diplomatic concerns underpin the urgency for resolution as financial markets teeter, reflecting South Korea's disrupted political landscape. (With inputs from agencies.)Donald Hand Jr. scores 29 with 10 rebounds, Boston College beats Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70
Windsor Mills, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Connexa Sports Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:YYAI) is pleased to announce that it has closed the acquisition of a further 50% ownership stake in Yuanyu Enterprise Management Co., Limited (YYEM), a Hong Kong-based entity focused on the global Love and Marriage sector, taking its overall stake in YYEM to 70% and received Nasdaq confirmation that post-acquisition trading of YYAI will commence at the market opening tomorrow morning on November 22, 2024. As a result of the acquisition, Connexa has now undergone a change of control, appointed new officers, new directors, and effected a spin-off of the Slinger Bag business. “We would like to thank all of our shareholders and directors for their support in the acquisition of YYEM and we wish YYEM and Connexa’s new board every success for the future,” concluded Mike Ballardie, the former CEO of Connexa. Mr. Zhou, Chairman of YYEM and a new member of Connexa’s Board of Directors, commented, “I thank the outgoing directors for their service to Connexa and look forward to an exciting future as we take the company forward into the Love and Marriage sector.” About YYAI: Connexa Sports Technologies Inc. (YYAI), via its majority-owned subsidiary, Yuanyu Enterprise Management Co., Limited, operates across the rapidly emerging Love and Marriage sector. Yuanyu Enterprise Management Co., Limited owns numerous patents, technologies and algorithms that drive its big data and matchmaking analyses, deriving its current revenues from royalties. YYAI Contact Information: info@yuanyuenterprise.com www.yuanyuenterprise.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on plans, estimates, expectations and projections at the time the statements are made, and readers should not place undue reliance on them. In some cases, readers can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “opportunity,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in this press release include, among others: the risks associated with the company’s relatively low public float, which may result in the company’s common stock experiencing significant price volatility; the effects that the closed acquisition of YYEM and the closed spin-off of the Slinger Bag business may have on the Company and its current or future business and on the price of the common stock; uncertainties regarding the company’s focus, strategic plans and other management actions; the risks associated with potential litigation related to the closed acquisition of YYEM and the closed spin-off of the Slinger Bag business or related to any possible subsequent financing transactions or acquisitions or investments; uncertainties regarding general economic, business, competitive, legal, regulatory, tax and geopolitical conditions; and other factors, including those set forth in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements included in this report speak only as of the date each statement is made. Neither the company nor any person undertakes any obligation to update any of these statements in light of new information or future events, except to the extent required by applicable law.Mitchell scores 32, Idaho defeats Pacific 95-72
Democratic New Hampshire Rep. Annie Kuster, who is retiring from Congress, claimed Trump “tried to kill” her on Jan. 6, 2021. Kuster — who has represented New Hampshire’s 2nd District since 2013 — told the Washington, D.C., outlet Roll Call on Monday that she had “always said I wasn’t going to stay forever” and that Trump “tried to kill me once.” “I was one of the last members of Congress in the gallery on Jan. 6, and as it turns out, we have the security footage that shows it was only 30 seconds from when I was able to evacuate that the insurrectionists were in that hallway hunting for us with zip ties and bear mace and who knows what else,” Kuster told Roll Call. “I just felt like, he tried to kill me once. I’m not available for it again.” (RELATED: FBI Had Over A Dozen Confidential Informants At Capitol On Jan. 6, IG Report Confirms) She accused Trump of attacking women, “undermining the social fabric” and appearing to favor tearing down protections for women against sexual assault , according to the outlet. “I’m not prepared to be the gladiator, if you will, again for him,” she said. 🚨NEW🚨 Retiring Democrat Congresswoman Annie Kuster told @rollcall that “[Trump] tried to k*ll me once. I’m not available for it again.” pic.twitter.com/vAmgqMhseP — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 26, 2024 Kuster acknowledged that most voters in the 2024 elections wanted a different administration because of concerns such as inflation, the border crisis and rising crime and public safety problems . “And there’s a lot of reasons that people had for their vote, but I don’t believe the approach of the Trump administration is going to fix those issues for them. I mean, just take tariffs. If he puts those on, the price of food is going to go way up,” she told Roll Call. She also blamed the loss of the Democrats in the 2024 election on how many young voters felt that “for a pretty long time, the face of our party has been octogenarians.” “We somehow have missed the opportunity to connect with a whole generation of young people that we assumed, just by the laws of nature, would be more progressive and more close to our perspective,” she said. Kuster described herself as “literally exhausted” from being from a district she said she turned from red to purple. Longstanding members of congress who represent deep-blue districts did not appear to have elections as difficult as hers, she added. She predicted the Democrats would win in the midterms in 2026 and the presidential election in 2028 due to “the consequences of [Trump’s] policies.” “I’m going to stay involved, but not on the ballot,” she added, explaining that she would continue her work of pushing for the election of Democratic women to claw back to a majority. Kuster delivered her final address in Congress on Dec. 18.Agrify Stock Doubles To Hit Over 1-Year High After $25.9M Placement, But Retail Wary Of Short-Covering Rally
Israeli police set to probe Netanyahu’s wife over ‘harassment of witnesses’Automatic Partners with MeridianLink to Revolutionize Lender-Dealership Connectivity
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From left, Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo, Representative to the Czech Republic Ke Liang-ruey and Czech Representative to Taiwan David Steinke pose for a photograph after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on collaboration between Taiwan and the Czech Republic in an undated photograph.Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs via CNA Staff writer, with CNA Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo (郭智輝) returned to Taiwan yesterday following a trip to Germany and the Czech Republic to promote industrial cooperation, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said. 請繼續往下閱讀... In a statement, the International Trade Administration (ITA) under the ministry said Kuo attended the inauguration of the Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Prague on Thursday. He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) pledging to set up industrial clusters and promote business opportunities — in order to boost collaboration between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. The MOU was signed by Representative to the Czech Republic Ke Liang-ruey (柯良叡) and Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei representative David Steinke, according to the ITA. The statement noted that the trade and investment center in Prague would be Taiwan’s first overseas investment service hub. Under the MOU signed on Thursday, the center would enable Taiwan and the Czech Republic to collaborate in providing one-stop services for Taiwanese investors seeking opportunities in the European country. The ITA added that the Czech Republic has a geographic advantage in Europe, a large pool of tech talent, prestigious research institutions, a sound industrial foundation and solid technological strength. The European country has strong support from its government in technology development. This has led to it becoming one of Taiwan’s key European partners in terms of industrial cooperation, the ITA said. Taipei would use Prague as a hub to seek other business opportunities in the European market, the ITA added. During his stay in the Czech Republic, Kuo also met with Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil, Marek Benda, who is a member of the Czech Chamber of Deputies and chairperson of the body’s Taiwan friendship group, as well as other Czech government officials to discuss bilateral economic exchanges, the ITA said. Kuo’s visit to Prague was part of his trip to Germany and the Czech Republic on Wednesday and Thursday. Before Kuo visited the Czech Republic, he went to Dresden in the German state of Saxony. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co started constructing a new 12-inch wafer fab in the city in August, through a joint venture called European Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The Dresden plant is scheduled to launch mass production at the end of 2027, focusing on automotive and industrial applications. Kuo also met with Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert and the Saxony Minister-President Michael Kretschmer to gain a better understanding of the investment environment. He called for the Saxony authorities to assist Taiwanese entrepreneurs where necessary. According to the ITA, Taiwan has long played a critical role in global supply chains and made important contributions to a wide range of tech development. That, along with Taiwanese semiconductor suppliers extending their global reach, means that many related small and medium-sized Taiwanese businesses are setting their sights on the European market. 新聞來源: TAIPEI TIMES 不用抽 不用搶 現在用APP看新聞 保證天天中獎 點我下載APP 按我看活動辦法
Supreme Court will take up a challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions standards WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it will take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California’s nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. The justices agreed Friday to hear an appeal filed by fuel producers who object to a waiver granted to California in 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency during Joe Biden’s presidency. The waiver allows California to set more stringent emissions limits than the national standard. The case won’t be argued until the spring, when the Trump administration is certain to take a more industry-friendly approach to the issue. Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases DETROIT (AP) — Elon Musk says the Securities and Exchange Commission wants him to pay a penalty or face charges involving what he disclosed — or failed to disclose — about his purchases of Twitter stock before he bought the social media platform in 2022. In a letter, Musk’s lawyer Alex Spiro tells the outgoing SEC chairman, Gary Gensler, that the commission’s demand for a monetary payment is a “misguided scheme” that won’t intimidate Musk. The letter also alleges that the commission reopened an investigation this week into Neuralink, Musk’s computer-to-human brain interface company. The SEC has not released the letter. Nor would it comment on it or confirm whether it has issued such a demand to Musk. Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn't install more automated systems WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is offering his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. He posted on social media Thursday that he met with union leaders and that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. He wrote that the “amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. The Maritime Alliance says the technology will improve worker safety and strengthen our supply chains, among other things. IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes. The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and best avoid an artificial intelligence ‘dictatorship’ is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing conversion into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. OpenAI is filing its response Friday. OpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year and sketched out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing's monetary policy. Analysts said the broad-brush plans from the annual Central Economic Work Conference were more of a recap of current policy than ambitious new initiatives at a time when the outlook is clouded by the President-elect Donald Trump's threats to sharply raise tariffs once he takes office. The ruling Communist Party did commit to raising China's deficit and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth. Here's a look at China's main priorities and their potential implications. Stock market today: Wall Street slips at the end of a bumpy week Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 was up less than 0.1% in afternoon trading Friday and headed for a weekly loss. The benchmark index hit its latest in a string of records a week ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 58 points. The Nasdaq composite was up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market. European markets were mostly lower and Asian markets mostly fell. Next Week: Retail sales, Fed policy update, existing home sales The Commerce Department releases its monthly snapshot of U.S. retail sales Tuesday. Federal Reserve officials wrap up a two-day meeting and issue an interest rate policy update Wednesday. The National Association of Realtors issues its latest update on U.S. home sales Thursday.
BJP cracks caste riddle in Jat belts, beats Cong, RLPBy Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .
The Chicago Cubs will need to make big changes after underachieving in 2025. They could move on from some key players to make way for young stars in the organization. While listing Cubs players who would not be on the team at the end of Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings, FanSided's Zach Pressnell predicted that second baseman Nico Hoerner would be traded. "Hoerner takes the spot at second base, blocking the Cubs top prospect from coming to the big leagues. Matt Shaw is the Cubs top prospect and he's big-league-ready. Last season, Shaw slashed .284/.379/.488 split between Double-A and Triple-A. While in Triple-A for just under 40 games, Shaw slashed an incredible .298/.395/.534," wrote Pressnell. "It's hard to imagine that somebody with his raw talent and results will stick in the minor leagues for long. He's a huge piece of Chicago's future and there's not going to be any holding him back in the minor leagues." Hoerner is a Gold Glove Award winner, but offensively the Cubs need more. He had a .273 batting average, but his OPS was .708. He does not take many walks and does not really hit home runs. He had just seven last season. Meanwhile, Matt Shaw has been great offensively. Hoerner signed a three-year, $35 million extension with the Cubs before the 2023 season. He is a great defender and could fetch a decent return in a trade. Trading him would open the door for Shaw to start on Opening Day. The Scubs would not struggle to find a trade partner. Hoerner's defense and .335 OBP should make him a target for teams in need of a second baseman. More MLB: Cubs trade proposal ships 2-time All-Star to Yankees to replace Anthony Rizzo#6 TOP IA STORY OF 2024: Why Harvey Norman should just 'go' — awayANN ARBOR, Michigan (AP) — Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant is skipping his final college season to enter the NFL draft. Grant, a key part of the Wolverines' 2023 national championship team, announced his decision Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. Fellow Michigan interior lineman Mason Graham had already declared for the draft. Both are projected as likely first-round picks. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound Grant was a third-team Associated Press All-American. He had 32 tackles, 6 1/2 tackles for loss and a pair of fumble recoveries. Grant helped Michigan upset Ohio State in the Big Ten regular-season finale, making four tackles. Cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland have also declared for the draft leading up to Michigan's game against No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football