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blackjack dealer rules TORONTO — CBC is restoring its live New Year's Eve celebration. A year after the national broadcaster cancelled the 2024 countdown due to "financial pressures," it says the special event is back on the TV schedule to mark the dawn of 2025. Festivities begin Dec. 31 with the one-hour "22 Minutes New Year's Eve Pregame Special," a satirical reflection on the events of 2024 with the cast of the political comedy series "This Hour Has 22 Minutes." It will be followed by "Canada Live! Countdown 2025," a special hosted by news anchor Adrienne Arsenault and singer Jann Arden broadcasting live from Toronto's Harbourfront Centre, and anchor Ian Hanomansing and comedian Ali Hassan at Vancouver's VanDusen Botanical Garden. A representative for the CBC says the coast-to-coast show will feature reporters at more than a dozen community events across the country while a countdown to the new year will take place in each of the six time zones. Throughout the seven-and-a-half-hour program, "many Canadian celebrity guests" will appear in live and pre-taped messages. "Canada Live! Countdown 2025" begins at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network and CBC Gem with CBC-TV and CBC Radio picking up the feed at 9 p.m. in local markets. Last year, the CBC replaced its live New Year's Eve programming with a taped Just For Laughs special hosted by comedian Mae Martin. That left Canadians without a homegrown countdown on any of the major networks, which sparked blowback on social media from some viewers. The CBC began its annual specials in 2017 to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial year. Some of the more recent broadcasts were hosted by comedian Rick Mercer and featured fireworks and musical performances in key cities. But when CBC paused those plans last year, it said the show had become "increasingly expensive to produce." The decision to sideline the program was made shortly after members of Parliament summoned outgoing CBC president Catherine Tait to testify about job cuts and her refusal to rule out bonuses for CBC executives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. David Friend, The Canadian PressAlyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians

It’s time for the 2024 Liga MX Torneo Apertura final as Club América takes on Monterrey in the first leg match. Thursday night’s match will air on TV in Spanish via TUDN and Univision. Fans can watch the match streaming via FuboTV . Club América comes into the finals as the reigning Liga MX champs, having won the Torneo Clausura title earlier this year. The Mexico City club had a lackluster regular season, but have come on strong in the playoffs. Meanwhile, high-scoring Monterrey will be looking for its first title since 2019. How Club América vs. Moterrey | Liga MX Finals, 1st Leg What time does the game start? What TV channel will it air on? - Thursday night’s match will start at 9 p.m. EST from Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. The match will air on TV in Spanish via TUDN and Univision. There is no English broadcast on conventional TV channels. Stream : fuboTV (Latino package) ; or Sling ; or DirecTV Stream Sling provides one of the cheapest streaming options on the market.

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury convicted two men on Friday of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, an Indian national who prosecutors say went by the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Shand, 50, an American from Florida, were part of a sophisticated illegal operation that has brought increasing numbers of Indians into the U.S., prosecutors said. They were each convicted on four counts related to human smuggling, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the country illegally. “This trial exposed the unthinkable cruelty of human smuggling and of those criminal organizations that value profit and greed over humanity,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said. AP AUDIO: 2 convicted in human smuggling case after Indian family froze to death on US-Canada border AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports on a court case involving the border with Canada. “To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, a mother and two children froze to death in sub-zero temperatures on the Minnesota-Canadian border,” Luger added. RELATED COVERAGE Prominent figure from Canada’s trucker protests against COVID-19 restrictions found guilty Mexico acknowledges Canada’s concerns about a Chinese auto plant, but says none exists Human smuggling trial witness says he was separated from a family hours before they froze to death The most serious counts carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told The Associated Press before the trial. But federal sentencing guidelines rely on complicated formulas. Luger said Friday that various factors will be considered in determining what sentences prosecutors will recommend. Federal prosecutors said 39-year-old Jagdish Patel; his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik, froze to death Jan. 19, 2022, while trying to cross the border into Minnesota in a scheme Patel and Shand organized. Patel is a common Indian surname, and the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel. The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports said. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. Much is rooted in economics and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Before the jury’s conviction on Friday, the federal trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, saw testimony from an alleged participant in the smuggling ring, a survivor of the treacherous journey across the northern border, border patrol agents and forensic experts. Defense attorneys were pitted against each other, with Shand’s team arguing that he was unwittingly roped into the scheme by Patel. Patel’s lawyers, The Canadian Press reported , said their client had been misidentified. They said “Dirty Hary,” the alleged nickname for Patel found in Shand’s phone, is a different person. Bank records and witness testimony from those who encountered Shand near the border didn’t tie him to the crime, they added. Prosecutors said Patel coordinated the operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. The trial included an inside account of how the international smuggling ring allegedly works and who it targets. Rajinder Singh, 51, testified that he made over $400,000 smuggling over 500 people through the same network that included Patel and Shand. Singh said most of the people he smuggled came from Gujarat state. He said the migrants would often pay smugglers about $100,000 to get them from India to the U.S., where they would work to pay off their debts at low-wage jobs in cities around the country. Singh said the smugglers would run their finances through “hawala,” an informal money transfer system that relies on trust. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates more than 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the U.S., behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. Jamie Holt, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said the case is a stark reminder of the realities victims of human smuggling face. “Human smuggling is a vile crime that preys on the most vulnerable, exploiting their desperation and dreams for a better life,” Holt said. “The suffering endured by this family is unimaginable and it is our duty to ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.” One juror Kevin Paul, of Clearwater, Minnesota, told reporters afterward that it was hard for the jurors to see the pictures of the family’s bodies. He said he grew up in North Dakota and is familiar with the kind of conditions that led to their deaths. “It’s pretty brutal,” Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine having to do what they had to do out there in the middle of nowhere.” ___ Goldberg reported from Minneapolis.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kendall Blue and Nolan Minessale had 22 points each in St. Thomas' 88-81 victory over Montana on Saturday. Miles Barnstable had 17 points for the Tommies (7-4). Malik Moore led the Grizzlies (6-4) with 30 points. Money Williams added 14 points, six rebounds and four assists for Montana. Jensen Bradtke had 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Analysis: Franchise tag for Sam Darnold would add another layer to this unpredictable Vikings seasonHe was with the Indian men’s cricket team when they won the 2011 World Cup. He played a role in the Indian men’s hockey team’s bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics . Now, he has helped Dommaraju Gukesh win the World Chess Championship . Paddy Upton , the mental conditioning coach from South Africa, has indeed played a significant hand in the history of Indian sport and by his admission is “grateful for all the opportunities.” Upton spoke to Boria Majumdar about how Gukesh readied himself mentally for the world championship. Excerpts: Since joining team Gukesh, how did you go about getting him ready mentally for the World Championship match? We’ve been working together for a little more than six months now and we’ve spoken for an hour and a half or so every week. The idea was to make sure that Gukesh was used to every kind of possibility mentally. When you are trailing, for example, how do you make a comeback? How do you deal with such a challenge in the mind? Or when you are leading and your opponent makes a comeback, how can you make sure it doesn’t impact you adversely? How do you identify the best move on the board when you are exhausted? Many had said Gukesh was the favourite. We completely ignored that narrative and were determined to make sure Gukesh trained himself for every kind of fight from Ding. As you saw, he needed every bit of it. Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Soft Skills Cross-Cultural Communication Mastery: Connect with Confidence By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Viswanathan Anand said it was Gukesh’s ‘never give up’ attitude that won him the World Championship. I was sitting with some (chess) fans and suddenly there was a gasp and people started to leave. So, I asked if something was wrong? Someone said Ding had blundered and Gukesh was on the verge of winning. That happened because Gukesh refused to give up. Kept at it. It was part of the plan. We had planned for such a scenario. If you saw, Gukesh refused to accept the draw in some games and kept pushing. Some people asked why would he do so? The plan was to keep Ding on the board for as long as possible and tire him out. Gukesh is younger and he would be better off the next day. Under pressure, Ding ultimately made a mistake. Anand is right, Gukesh’s attitude makes him stand out. You have spent time with hundreds of elite athletes in the last two decades. How would you rate Gukesh? I have worked with more than 350 elite athletes and I rate Gukesh among the top five. On the lines of a Virat Kohli or a Rahul Dravid. For me, it is not just about being an elite athlete or a medal winner. Every athlete who has won an Olympic medal or a world championship is a great sportsperson. But not everyone is a great champion. Only when you can stay rooted and stay humble even after you win something huge can you be a great champion. It is about how you are as a human being. That’s where Gukesh scores. His press conference after he won can be a lesson in humility and how athletes should conduct themselves. He spoke at length about Ding, credited each one of us and hardly spoke about himself. That’s greatness. You reached Singapore at the end of Game 12. Was it the Ding comeback that prompted it? Not really. We had prepared for such a situation where he (Ding) makes a comeback. I knew Gukesh would be ready for it. I was very confident he’d come back strong after the defeat and make the most of the last two games. We spoke during the final rest day but did not discuss anything special. It was a reset conversation. What all he had done to get there, how he needed to do the same, enjoy the challenge and live every moment of it. I’m very pleased that I took the flight from South Africa to Singapore and was a part of history. What was the celebration like? I don’t know if I told you that I met Gukesh for the first time in my life physically after the match was over. It was strange because I felt I had known him very well. Coming to the celebrations, not much really. About eight of us went for dinner and we just kept talking till about 2am. Gukesh is vegetarian and between all of us not even three beers were consumed! So you can understand. We had basic Thai food but the satisfaction was huge. All of the effort that had been put in had paid of f and Gukesh deserved every accolade that was coming his way. It will surely be a huge moment for Indian sport. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

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"Good evening, and thank you for allowing me to join you for a few moments on such a special night of gathering and celebration. Alongside the Queen, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía, I wish you a happy and peaceful evening." This Christmas Eve, I would like to begin by addressing, and I’m sure you’ll understand, the terrible Dana storm that struck with unusual force almost two months ago in several areas of eastern and southern Spain, particularly in Valencia. The people who lost their lives and those who are still missing deserve our utmost respect, and we must never forget the pain and sorrow left behind for their families. Thousands of people saw how what had been their town, their neighbourhood, their workplace, their home, their business, or their school was reduced to rubble or even disappeared. It is a reality that is hard to come to terms with, but one from which we should all strive to draw the necessary lessons to strengthen us as a society and help us grow. We must never forget those first images of the flood that destroyed everything in its path: the rescues of people—some sick, elderly, or exhausted—trying to escape their cars or seeking refuge on rooftops. We also witnessed those who opened their homes to care for the most vulnerable, countering the relentless force of water and mud with the overwhelming power of solidarity and humanity. Neighbours, volunteers, civil protection teams, firefighters, security forces, the Armed Forces, NGOs, and even businesses that organised collections and donations, mobilising their staff and machinery—the help and collaboration of all have enabled the more than 800,000 affected people to gradually regain some sense of normality in their lives. Efforts are also being made to ensure that medium- and long-term needs are addressed to secure true recovery. This pure and practical solidarity has been recognised day after day in the tireless work of anonymous volunteers and public servants. At the same time, we have also observed—and understood—the frustration, pain, impatience, and calls for greater and more effective coordination among authorities. All these emotions—those that move and comfort us, and those that wound and sadden us—stem from a common source: the awareness of the common good, the expression of the common good, or the demand for the common good. Despite occasional differences and disagreements, there remains in Spanish society a clear sense of what benefits everyone and what must therefore be protected and strengthened. This is something the Queen and I have observed and appreciated even more deeply during this decade of reign. It is the responsibility of all institutions and public administrations to ensure that this notion of the common good continues to be clearly reflected in any discourse or political decision. Consensus on what is essential, not only as an outcome but also as a constant practice, must always guide the public sphere. This is not to stifle the diversity of opinions—legitimate and necessary in a democracy—but to prevent this diversity from leading to the denial of the existence of a shared space. It is from this agreement on the essentials that we must address the issues that concern us and affect our collective lives in various ways. The growing international instability, the climate of public debate, challenges in accessing housing, and immigration management are among the matters that deserve our attention and that I wish to discuss tonight. Immigration is a complex phenomenon of great social sensitivity, arising from diverse causes. Without population movements throughout history, present-day societies—open and interconnected—could not be understood. As a daily reality, migration, if not properly managed, can lead to tensions that erode social cohesion. The effort to integrate, which involves everyone, respect for basic laws and norms of coexistence and civility by all, and the recognition of the dignity every human being deserves are the pillars that must guide us in addressing immigration. At the same time, we must never forget the firmness required to combat the networks and mafias that traffic in human beings. How we approach immigration—which also necessitates good coordination with our European partners as well as countries of origin and transit—will reflect much about our principles and the quality of our democracy. Another pressing issue, especially for the young, is the difficulty in accessing housing. Cities, particularly large urban areas, act as growth hubs, generating a demand that supply struggles to meet. It is important that all stakeholders reflect, listen to one another, explore various options, and engage in dialogue to develop solutions that make housing accessible under reasonable conditions, especially for the young and the most vulnerable. This is the foundation of security and well-being for many life projects—and it is something we can achieve. Our lives are also shaped by an increasingly complex and volatile external environment. Too often, we see challenges to international law, resorting to violence, denial of the universality of human rights, or questioning of multilateralism to address global challenges such as climate crises, pandemics, energy transitions, trade, and resource scarcity. We even witness debates over the validity of democracy itself as a system of governance. In this context, Spain, along with other European Union member states, must resolutely defend the foundations of liberal democracy, human rights, and the social welfare achievements that underpin our shared political project. Europe—the idea of Europe—is an essential part of our shared identity and a legacy we owe to future generations. In a world that needs strong, cohesive actors, guided by principles and values, Europe remains our most valuable reference point. Domestically, our greatest reference is the 1978 Constitution, its words, and its spirit. The agreement on essentials was the fundamental principle that inspired it. Working for the common good means preserving this great pact of coexistence, which affirms our democracy and enshrines our rights and freedoms—the pillars of our Social and Democratic State under the rule of law. Even after so much time, the harmony that gave rise to it remains our solid foundation. Cultivating this spirit of consensus is vital to strengthening our institutions and maintaining the confidence of society in them. A pact of coexistence is preserved through dialogue—the kind of dialogue, conducted with dignity and generosity, that must always nourish the definition of shared will and state action. For this reason, it is essential that political competition—legitimate but sometimes deafening—does not drown out a more resounding call: a call for serenity. Serenity in public life and daily life, to pursue collective or individual projects, to prosper, and to care for and protect those who need it most. The recent reform of Article 49 of the Constitution, concerning persons with disabilities, is a good example of what we can achieve together. We cannot allow discord to become a constant background noise that prevents us from hearing the true pulse of our citizens. As I have said many times before, and I would like to repeat: Spain is a great country. A nation with an extraordinary history—despite its dark chapters—and exemplary in its democratic development over recent decades, overcoming even the threat of terrorism that claimed so many victims. It is a country with a promising present, despite the challenges that remain, such as addressing poverty and social exclusion. Our economy’s performance—in terms of growth, employment, and exports—is encouraging, and the overall level of social welfare is notable. Looking to the future, I sincerely believe Spaniards have immense potential, which should fill us with hope both nationally and internationally. This future lies primarily in our youth—the youth who have made us proud in the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the recent European Championships, who innovate despite difficulties, and who lead the way in our science. It is the youth who respect our elders and their valuable experience, who push for progress in equality, and who prepare themselves in schools, universities, and vocational training centres to enter the workforce with determination despite youth unemployment. Most of all, it is the youth who have filled us with pride, pouring into the streets of towns affected by the Dana to give their all. With this spirit of work and commitment to the common good, I conclude my words and return to where I began—to all the towns and regions affected by the floods, where so much remains to be done, and where the needs of neighbours often dwarf all efforts, though hope endures. May the solidarity that has united us in the most difficult times remain present in every gesture, every action, and every decision. May aid reach everyone in need, so they can rebuild the future they have fought for with courage and dignity, facing a present that can often be merciless. The sooner we achieve this, the stronger our sense of community and nation will be. Because the memory of the journey we have taken, the trust in the present, and the hope for the future are inescapable parts—perhaps the most valuable but also the most delicate—of our common good. May the spirit of these days of togetherness and harmony endure into the New Year. From the Queen, our daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, and me, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Eguberri On, Bon Nadal, Boas Festas.

By 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 .Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualtiesNone

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Christopher, Amanda, Olivia and William Luxon in their matching pyjamas on Christmas Eve. Photo: X Luxon, his wife Amanda and their two children, Olivia, 23, and William, 25, dressed in green PJs this Christmas after they wore red pyjamas last year. “Christmas pyjamas and Christmas movies," Luxon said in a social media post. The Luxon family celebrated Christmas last year in their red PJs. Photo: Instagram Their Christmas movie of choice in the past has been the classic Love Actually, which features Hugh Grant in the role of the UK prime minister. From our family to yours, we hope you have a very Happy Christmas 🎄🎅 pic.twitter.com/9X8AcpKVRh — Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 24, 2024 Christmas is kicking off in the Luxon household tonight! pic.twitter.com/hRqQ8Zo6kB — Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 23, 2023

Stunning photos show lava erupting from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Christian Shumate's 22 points helped McNeese defeat NCAA Division-member LeTourneau 103-69 on Saturday night. Shumate also contributed five rebounds for the Cowboys (5-4). Quadir Copeland added 20 points while shooting 7 of 8 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line while they also had nine rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals. Sincere Parker had 16 points and went 7 of 11 from the field. The Yellow Jackets were led by Deonte Jackson, who posted 21 points, five assists and seven steals. Walker Blaine added 14 points and four assists for LeTourneau. Caedmon Liebengood also had 14 points. McNeese visits Mississippi State in its next matchup on December 14. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Clayton scores 34 as Ohio knocks off Portland 85-73

BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. Its capture is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.

The government is setting the stage for an environmental disaster by legalising destructive fishing practices that threaten to leave Thai seas barren and marine biodiversity in ruins. Despite the relentless decline of Thailand's marine resources due to overfishing, the government is amending fishery laws to permit the use of uan lom jab, or surrounding nets, at night. These nets, which employ light fishing and fine-meshed designs stretching for kilometres, pose a dire threat to already fragile marine ecosystems. Like trawlers, this method does not target a single species -- it sweeps up everything in its path, from juvenile fish to rare marine species vital to ocean health. When trawlers were first introduced in Thailand in 1961, the catch per hour was 300 kilogrammes. By 2009, this had plummeted to just 14kg, with only 30% of the catch having economic value. Fine-meshed nets used by trawlers and anchovy fleets scoop up "trash fish," which are sent to the agro-industry to produce animal feed, further accelerating the depletion of fish stocks. The anchovy fleet's use of light fishing and fine-meshed nets has worsened the crisis. Small-scale fisherfolk pressured the government to ban surrounding nets at night, limit anchovy fleets, and push trawlers out of coastal waters. These measures offered a lifeline to marine ecosystems, but the proposed amendment threatens to undo that progress. The Pheu Thai-led coalition government, with support from the opposition and the so-called progressive People's Party, now seeks to change this. The seeds of this crisis were sown in 1996, when anchovy fleets were permitted to use light fishing at night with lift nets and falling nets, though surrounding nets were still prohibited. Even so, fish stocks plummeted. Annual catches of pla tu (mackerel), which once exceeded 140,000 tonnes, dwindled to near extinction. Juvenile pla tu are now sold as dried food or animal feed, representing a tragic loss of future stock and economic value. For Thailand's 300,000 small-scale fishing families, sustainable fishing and healthy marine ecosystems are essential to their livelihoods. They have long fought against industrial fishing practices, but their voices are often drowned out by powerful industry lobbyists and politicians. Now, they are standing firm against the new amendment, which would legalise surrounding nets at night for the first time in Thai history. Proponents of the amendment claim it is a technical correction, arguing the current law was hastily implemented under the military junta to address EU sanctions for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, critics say this justification obscures the true intent: to roll back progress and prioritise the profits of large fishing businesses at the expense of ecological sustainability. While proponents insist that surrounding nets will only be allowed beyond 12 kilometres from shore, they fail to mention that these nets will intercept pla tu migration routes in the Gulf of Thailand, cutting off fish before they can reach coastal areas. Surrounding nets with fine-meshed designs spanning kilometres indiscriminately scoop up juvenile fish, devastating the ocean's food chain, fish stocks, and long-term economic potential. One year's worth of juvenile fish lost to this method could generate billions of baht if allowed to mature, yet they are discarded as bycatch or sold as cheap animal feed, squandering a renewable resource for short-term gain. Thailand is already among the region's worst offenders for allowing small net sizes. While neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh enforce minimum mesh sizes of 6cm or larger, Thailand's "standard" of 2.5cm often shrinks to a mere 3mm in practice, destroying marine biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems critical to sustainability. What's at stake is more than just fish stocks. Pla tu is not only a source of food but a cultural symbol connecting generations. Losing this species would be both an ecological and cultural tragedy. This reckless decision also jeopardises the country's food security. Healthy seas are vital for providing affordable protein to millions of Thais. Destroying juvenile fish populations will push small-scale fisherfolk further into poverty, exacerbate inequality, and drive up seafood prices for consumers. The government and opposition parties must recognise the long-term consequences of siding with big industry. This amendment is a step toward ecological collapse. On Nov 29, small-scale fishermen from 15 provinces petitioned the House of Representatives to halt this impending disaster. The petition was submitted ahead of the draft law's reading in the upcoming parliamentary session. Parliament must reject this amendment and focus on restoring marine ecosystems. Supporting small-scale fisherfolk is not just the right thing to do -- it is essential for Thailand's future. If the government proceeds, it will go down in history as the architect of Thailand's marine demise.Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes are getting into the holiday spirit. The couple took their 3-year-old daughter, Sterling Skye, and 2-year-old son, Bronze, to take photos with Santa Claus, per photos posted to Instagram Tuesday. The family of four was seen posing in front of a Christmas tree as Santa discretely snuck up behind them. Sterling, who wore a green dress, sat on the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s lap, while Bronze, who looked adorable in a green flannel and tan pants, cuddled up to Brittany. Patrick, 29, sported a red button-up shirt and khakis, while the expectant mother stunned in an all-white set. “Merry Christmas🎄❤️,” Brittany, 29, captioned the snaps. The retired soccer pro and her little ones will likely spend Christmas Day supporting Patrick and the Kansas City Chiefs as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The big match will take place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, though it’s unclear if Brittany’s BFF Taylor Swift will be there to support her beau, Travis Kelce. The 14-time Grammy winner notoriously skips away games. “If she is going to a place that isn’t Arrowhead, there are security concerns ,” an insider revealed to Page Six in September. Swift, 35, and Brittany were recently spotted partying together at the singer’s Eras Tour wrap party earlier this month. The duo cuddled up in several photos and their partners joined them for the epic festivities. Kelce, 35, showed up to the party wearing the same black tuxedo and top hat he wore during a surprise appearance at the London show over the summer. In June, the tight end shocked fans when he joined the “Lover” songstress on stage for her “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” skit. Kelce, meanwhile, was all smiles at the party while posing in his costume alongside his record-breaking girlfriend.Denton food trucks guide: Where to find 'em and what to know