Currently aged 36, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he seems to be getting better with age, defying Father Time and proving that he can still compete at the highest level. Despite facing stiff competition from younger talents, Ronaldo continues to dazzle with his goalscoring prowess and unmatched athleticism. With each goal he scores, he edges closer to the elusive 1000-goal mark, a milestone that would solidify his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.None
The Bank of Canada has cut its benchmark interest rates four times since June. Amid falling interest rates, investors should look to invest in to earn a stable passive income. Meanwhile, the following three Canadian stocks pay monthly dividends at higher yields, thus making them excellent buys. NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT ( ) owns and manages 186 healthcare properties across seven countries. It has signed long-term lease contracts with government-backed tenants, thus enjoying healthy occupancy and collection rates. Its weighted average lease expiry (WALE) stands at 13.4 years. Around 85% of its rent is inflation-indexed, thus shielding its financials against rising prices. Moreover, NWH continues to strengthen its financial position through its non-core assets sales program. This year, the company has disposed of 50 properties across North America, Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom, thus generating $1.3 billion in net sales. The company has utilized these cash flows to lower its leverage. It has also put 19 other properties worth $122.8 million for sale, which it expects to dispose of in 12 months. Moreover, NWH is developing next-generation properties that can deliver long-term earnings growth. Given its improving financial position and healthy growth prospects, I believe its future dividend payouts will be safer. Meanwhile, the company offers a juicy forward dividend yield of 7.36%, thus making it an excellent buy for income-seeking investors. Whitecap Resources Second on my list is ( ), which reported an impressive third-quarter performance last month. Its total average production for the third quarter increased by 10.4% to 173,302 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d). However, its and fund flows declined compared to the previous year’s quarter due to lower average realized prices. Amid solid operational performance, the company has raised its 2024 production guidance. The new guidance represents a 10.2% increase from 2023. Moreover, WCP has planned to make a capital investment of $1.1-$1.2 billion in 2025, strengthening its production capabilities. These investments could support its production growth, with the management projecting its 2025 average production to be between 176,000 boe/d and 180,000 boe/d. The midpoint of the guidance represents a 3.2% year-over-year growth. Amid its solid operating performance, the management hopes to generate $1.6-$1.7 billion of funds flow next year with WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude at US$70/barrel and AECO natural gas prices at $2.50/GJ (gigajoules). Considering its healthy cash flows, I believe WCP could continue rewarding its shareholders with healthy dividends. With a monthly dividend of $0.0608/share, it currently offers a forward dividend yield of 6.99%. Extendicare ( ) is my final pick. The company reported an excellent third-quarter performance last week, with its topline growing by 11.3%. Increased LTC (long-term-care) funding, volume growth and rate increases in LTC and home health care, and growth in managed services drove its revenue. Supported by its topline growth and lower administrative expenses, its adjusted EBITDA grew 42.4% to $36.1 million. Also, its AFFO (adjusted fund flows from operations) increased to $23.1 million from $12.3 million in the previous year’s quarters. Further, Extendicare is constructing a 256-bed LTC home in St. Catharines, Ontario, to replace its 152-bed Class C home. The company expects to open the facility in the first quarter of 2027. It is also planning to begin the construction of two additional homes this quarter. Considering its healthy financials and growth prospects, I believe Extendicare would continue rewarding its shareholders with healthy dividends. It now pays a monthly dividend of $0.04/share, translating into a forward dividend yield of 4.69%.However, while the decrease in gasoline prices may be beneficial in the short term, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of such a rapid drop. Fluctuating oil prices can have a cascading effect on the global economy, influencing various sectors and markets. Therefore, it is crucial for stakeholders to closely monitor the situation and adapt to changing market conditions accordingly.
The CCDI's crackdown on corruption has sent a strong message to both party members and the general public that corrupt behavior will not be tolerated. By holding high-ranking officials accountable for their actions, the CCDI is working to restore public trust in the government and ensure that those in power are held responsible for their actions.In the end, what began as a routine stand-up comedy set on women's safety had culminated in a provocative and unexpected exploration of fear and femininity. The tale of Lady Snail, with its eerie resonance and haunting imagery, served as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers that women may face in their daily lives.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) said it supported the Scottish Government Bill which brings forward the point at which offenders serving shorter sentences become eligible for automatic early release. Under the plans, between 260 and 390 prisoners are to be released by early February, in three tranches over six weeks. The Bill changes the automatic release point for sentences of four years or less from 50% to 40% of their term – although those convicted of sexual or domestic violence would be excluded. It also includes the power for ministers to change the early release point again in future through regulation – which can only be voted on in Holyrood rather than amended. Last week, support from SNP and Green MSPs meant the Bill passed its first stage – with the final two stages of the legislative process completed on Tuesday, with Holyrood sitting late as a result. Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats voted against the legislation. The vote was 67 in favour, 54 against and none abstained. It comes as prisoner numbers in Scotland have increased despite 477 offenders being released early this summer, with ministers using emergency measures in a bid to try to tackle overcrowding. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “We have experienced a significant rise in our prison population in recent times. “This means that without intervention, there is a risk that prisons will no longer be safe places for the dedicated staff to carry out the important work of rehabilitation to reduce reoffending. “That is why this Bill is backed by both the Prison Officers’ Association and the Prison Governors Association. “The measures in this Bill will bring about a sustained reduction in the prison population as well as relieve some of the acute pressure currently being experienced within our prison estate. “We need the prison system to focus on those who pose the greatest risk to the public and provide a range of support to help reduce reoffending and integration back into the community. “I am very aware that victims and their families will have concerns and we will continue to work closely with victim support organisations throughout the process.” Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP said: “The SNP’s reckless plan to release hundreds more prisoners is a weak surrender to criminals. “They have railroaded this through Parliament without a moment’s thought for victims or public safety. “Ministers have also turned a blind eye to the concerns raised by senior police officers, over how many prisoners released previously went onto quickly re-offend. “This bill sums up how disconnected the SNP are from the public. The public want them to show some common sense and ensure prisoners serve their sentences in full. “SNP ministers must accept that this is a crisis of their own making. Rather than regularly carrying out prisoner release schemes, they must look at alternatives to tackle overcrowding, including the deportation of foreign criminals taking up place in Scotland’s jails.” Labour’s Pauline McNeill said the passing of the Bill was a “sad day for criminal justice” now that prisoners on short-term sentences would be released after serving only two fifths of the sentence imposed. While she accepted high prisoner numbers had led to a “crisis” in Scotland’s jails, she said the legislation had “no governor’s veto to provide a safeguard”. She branded the Bill a “short-term fix for current problems” adding that “we do not know for how long the crisis will last, but the policy will remain”. McNeill also voiced concerns about the legislation giving powers to ministers which could “potentially radically change” the release system for longer-term prisoners, serving sentences of more than four years. The MSP insisted “much closer scrutiny” should have been applied before such changes were made. “I don’t accept this is the way we should do legislation in this Parliament,” Ms McNeill added. Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur also spoke out against this, saying it would reduce the future role Holyrood would have in scrutinising such changes. “That for me, for the Scottish Liberal Democrats is a step too far,” he said. However Green MSP Maggie Chapman argued that reducing prisoner numbers would allow staff in jails more time to work with offenders to reduce reoffending rates. She told MSPs: “If we are serious about rehabilitation, we must make space and time for it to happen. “That requires staff, and that requires space and I believe that requires this Bill.” The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps) said it had “grave concerns” about the early release of prisoners. ASPS president Rob Hay noted that when 477 prisoners had been released early in June and July of this year, more than 10% ended up back in prison “within weeks” because of offending, with some “having committed violent offences”. He said: “The public are being put at risk. Every crime committed and every victim who suffered at the hands of those criminals represent an avoidable consequence of this misguided Scottish Government policy. “To release prisoners early, knowing further offending is likely to occur, piles pressure on a police service already stretched to breaking under unsustainable demand. “The only comfort I can offer the public is that where police officers encounter released prisoners who remain involved in crime, we’ll do all we can to ensure they end up back in custody, where they belong.” Get all the latest news from around the country Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the countryZhou Changqiang Appointed as the Secretary of Qionghai City Committee of Hainan Province, Officially Promoted to Deputy Director Level
However, the move has also sparked criticism from some quarters, with critics questioning the wisdom of providing military support to non-state actors in a conflict zone. Some worry that escalating the conflict by arming Ukrainian fighters could prolong the violence and lead to further loss of life.Global stocks experienced a downturn and major Wall Street indexes declined following the European Central Bank's decision to cut interest rates for the fourth time this year, amidst economic challenges and political risks. The Swiss franc weakened after the Swiss National Bank announced its largest rate reduction in nearly a decade. This move coincided with the U.S. Labor Department's report of a 0.4% increase in the producer price index, which surpassed expectations. Amid these developments, oil prices fell over 1%, and markets predicted further rate cuts from the Federal Reserve and ECB. Notably, emerging market stocks and U.S. benchmark 10-year note yields rose slightly. (With inputs from agencies.)