spanish lottery results betfred
NoneWhat happens when Tesla, Intel CEOs lose their pay plans? They're still super rich
Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated the East Side Entry of Cuttack Railway Station this evening, marking a significant milestone in the Station’s Redevelopment under the Amrit Stations Scheme. This new entry, along with the East Side Station Building, is set to transform passenger travel, offering improved accessibility, safety, and convenience. The East Side Entry is designed to provide seamless movement for passengers arriving from the National Highway side, making the station more accessible and ensuring hassle-free access. This development is a part of an ambitious Rs 303 crore project aimed at redeveloping Cuttack Railway Station into a modern transportation hub with world-class amenities. Shri Vaishnaw, in his address at the inauguration, emphasized the importance of this development in improving passenger experience and enhancing the connectivity of the region. He highlighted that this project will also contribute to socio-economic growth by boosting trade and commerce, making Cuttack Railway Station a key hub in the region. Key Features of the East Side Station Building: The East Side Entry project, completed at a cost of Rs 14.63 Crores, addresses long-standing demands for better connectivity in the region. The new infrastructure is expected to streamline station operations and improve passenger flow, enhancing safety and travel efficiency. The station will serve passengers not only from Cuttack but also from surrounding districts such as Paradeep, Jagatsingpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Badamba, Narasinghpur, and Niali. With a focus on passenger comfort and safety, this development is poised to become a model for future railway station redevelopments across the country. Key Benefits:
Promised air defence systems now in Ukraine's hands, minister says
Holiday travel season begins, a lost waltz and Trump's guitars | Hot off the Wire podcastTHE 10th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES), the thought leadership platform of PropertyGuru Group, gathered experts and thought leaders to discuss the intersecting issues moving and shaking the real estate industry, including technology, design, business development, economics and more. Themed "Shaping the Aspirations of Future Cities," ARES 2024 attracted more than 300 delegates to The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok on Dec. 12, 2024 for a series of insightful discourses. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The right frame can freeze a moment in time, creating meaning for the masses from a fist pump over a bloodied ear , a bridge crumbled by a ship , towns shredded by nature , and a victory sealed with an on-field kiss . In 2024, photographers across the U.S. captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election , to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The gallery from The Associated Press illustrates a new chapter of political history — the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump , the moment President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run again , the campaign sprint by Vice President Kamala Harris in Biden’s place, and the raw emotion from voters during a grueling contest ultimately won by Trump . Related Articles Hurricanes whipped through the country with devastating imagery, leaving a path of wreckage and death from Florida to Appalachia . After Hurricane Helene , Lake Lure in North Carolina was shown in a jarring photo covered in shards of debris thick enough to hide the surface of the water. Hurricane Milton ripped apart the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The scale of destruction experienced in some corners of the country in 2024 was hard to capture and might have been harder to fathom. That was the case when a container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and crumple around the vessel, killing construction workers on the bridge. As flames torched the landscape in California , another image captured firefighters and sheriff’s deputies pushing a vintage car away from a burning home. Elsewhere in California , one photo is aglow with bright orange flames, broken up only by the subtle features of an animal running through them. But hope also persevered in the face of devastation. In Helene’s aftermath , an image from Crystal River, Florida, shows Dustin Holmes holding hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, as they sloshed through floodwaters with her 4- and 7-year-old children to return to their flooded home. And in Manasota Key, Florida, a family was lit up by the glow of flashlights as they walked to check on their home damaged by Milton. Other photos from 2024 also grabbed the darkness and shadows to emphasize light: among them, a rocket liftoff and a total solar eclipse . And, yes, eclipse glasses were back in style for a shared moment of skygazing. But many other photos delivered a blast of color, from the spectrum of the northern lights across a Maine sky to a crew of workers wading into the deep-red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog . And, once again, Taylor Swift captured the country’s attention, even as a part of the crowd. She rushed down from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship , en route to another Super Bowl win.
After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is garble that can't be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won't be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Here's a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you're an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there's a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption to all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal's encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp, so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger, which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels" but contrary to popular perception, it doesn't turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France. Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding an IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Himachal mosque dispute: Waqf board submits 2006 document amid legal battle
NoneCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. 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
Matteo Berrettini is carrying the Italian flag high in the sport as he aims to come back strongly from injuries. Berrettini is popular in his country for not just his professional exploits, but also his colorful personal life. He is apparently in a relationship again after breaking up with Melissa Satta, a TV presenter and model. The 28-year-old Berrettini is currently dating Federica Lelli, who is 2 years younger than him, as per a Il Messagero report. Lelli is more famously known in Italy to be the ex-girlfriend of singer Ultimo. However, she has a strong identity of her own with 156,000 followers on Instagram alone. Lelli is an influencer and model who resides in Rome. It is believed that she first met Berrettini at a social event in France where she studied political science and international relations in a reputed university. Berrettini resides and trains in Monte Carlo but is shuttling between the French city and Rome, since he is allegedly in a live-in relationship with Lelli. The Italian paparazzi snapped Berrettini and Lelli walking on the streets of Rome hand in hand, looking extremely happy with each other. While the couple hasn’t put up any pictures and videos together on social media, their privacy can be understood. Berrettini has had a difficult last 3 years in his personal and professional lives both, more so after making the finals of the Wimbledon 2021 competition. Berrettini’s last two relationships before Lelli Before Lelli, Berrettini seemed to be going strong with Satta. In an interview with The Sun , he called the relationship an ‘intense one’ while explaining why he broke up with her in February 2024. It seems that Berrettini is prioritizing his tennis career more and Satta was a distraction for him, despite the fact that she showed her support by turning up for some of his matches. On the other hand, Satta has quite a history with dating other sportspersons. Infamously, she was said to be responsible for the late Kobe Bryant cheating on his wife Vanessa, which nearly made her file for divorce. So lack of trust in the relationship could have made Berrettini break up with her. Before Satta, Berrettini was in another highly-publicised relationship with a WTA player from Australia, Ajla Tomljanovic. They were together for 3 years and shot together for the Netflix docuseries, Break Point. But Berrettini was unhappy with the way their relationship was portrayed as he was accused of throwing out Ajla from his room once as well. Eventually, both the players were dissatisfied with each other because of having separate lives and finding it difficult to spend time with each other. While Berrettini has had it difficult in love matters, he and his fans too would hope that Lelli is the right match for him.
I t is widely known that cigarette smoking is harmful, yet there are over one billion smokers in the world today. If you hear the word aerosol, you might think of a can of deodorant, but it’s actually much more than that. Aerosol is the scientific, umbrella term for solid and liquid particles suspended in gas – such as a cloud. Smoke is actually a type of aerosol that is generated during combustion, the scientific name for ‘burning.’ And while smoke is an aerosol, not all aerosols are smoke. Science and technology have allowed the production of alternative products that don’t burn tobacco, therefore don’t produce smoke—they are in fact, smoke-free. When scientifically substantiated and subject to appropriate quality and safety requirements, smoke-free products do not create smoke and therefore should not be a source of second-hand smoke or ash. The absence of smoke can significantly reduce the average levels of harmful chemicals in smoke-free products when compared to cigarettes. Whilst not risk-free and delivering nicotine, which is addictive, scientifically substantiated smoke-free products are better alternative to adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. What is Smoke? Smoke is the result of combustion or burning. When a cigarette is lit is burns tobacco at temperatures up to 900°C. That creates smoke which contains approximately 6,000 chemicals, around 100 of which have been classified by public health authorities as harmful or potentially harmful. If the temperature is reduced to a level where tobacco or nicotine containing liquid is heated rather than burned, the smoke is removed. What is Aerosol? Aerosol is not associated with combustion. Smoke-free products, whilst not risk-free, have the potential to significantly reduce the average levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke. Consumers typically use the term “vapor” to refer to the aerosol generated from heated tobacco products or other nicotine-containing products. Quitting tobacco and nicotine altogether is the best choice for health. Existing tobacco control measures designed to discourage initiation and encourage cessation should continue. However, despite these efforts, millions of people continue to smoke. Science-backed, smoke-free products can play a role in moving adults who would otherwise continue to smoke away from cigarettes. With the right regulatory encouragement and support from civil society, together we can deliver a smoke-free future more quickly than relying on traditional measures alone. Sponsored by Philip Morris Management Services (Middle East) LimitedINVESTOR DEADLINE NEXT WEEK: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Announces that Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit - EW
BACK ROADS BILL: on bathing and taking medicine outsideProspera Financial Services Inc Has $888,000 Stake in PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG)
THE Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 2,450 out of 4,257 or 57.55 percent passed the Radiologic Technologists Licensure Examination (RTLE), and 35 out of 91 or 38,46 percent passed the X-Ray Technologists Computer-Based Licensure Examination given by the Board of Radiologic Technology in National Capital Region, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iliilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zambionga on Dec. 12 and 13, 2024. PRC reported that Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio City was recognized as Top 1 in the December 2024 RadTech Licensure Examination or RTLE, with a 95.68 percent passing rate or 162/155 takers-passers. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.COP29 and the climate crisis: greed versus needBlack plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group says
Parades, fireworks and visits with Santa are on the agenda for cities across Johnson County in December. The Cleburne Railroaders will host Breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at La Moderna Field, 1906 Brazzle Blvd. Tickets are $5 each and include breakfast. Drinks are available for purchase. Get photos with Santa and pick your seats for the 2025 season. Experience the magic of a hometown holiday until Jan. 5 at Hulen Park and throughout historic Downtown Cleburne during Whistle Stop Christmas. One of Cleburne’s most beloved holiday traditions is Saturday’s lighted parade and festivities at Hulen Park. There will be food and gift vendors, children’s train rides ($3 per rider) and a Live Nativity Scene presented by First Baptist Church from 5-9 p.m. The parade staging is between Hillsboro and Main Street south of Westhill Drive and north of Country Club Road. The parade will begin at South Main and First streets, proceed to Third and Caddo, then head north to North Caddo and Brown. It will turn left and travel behind the Layland Museum, then head south on North Main to South Main and Westhill. Entries will then return to the start. Prizes will be presented for Best Mounted Entry, Best Illuminated, Best Christmas Theme and Favorite Vehicle. Before and after the parade, enjoy the festivities at Hulen Park from 5-9 p.m. featuring food and gift vendors, a Live Nativity Scene presented by First Baptist Church of Cleburne, Children’s Train Rides for $3 per rider and after the parade pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus for $3 with your personal device. The train rides, sponsored by Grandview Bank, will also be offered from 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21, and the million-light display will remain up in Hulen Park and downtown Cleburne through Jan. 5. The schedule of events are subject to change or cancel for inclement weather. Bring your family to celebrate the magic and share a memorable Christmas experience at #WhistleStopCleburne. For information, visit visitcleburne.com/wschristmas or call the Cleburne Chamber office at 817-645-2455. Other Cleburne festivities The Cleburne Kiwanis Club and Camp Fire Heart of Texas are teaming up again for the Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Santa House. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Cleburne High School. The breakfast includes pancakes, bacon and sausage. There will be a Christmas market and other vendors. Also stop by for a picture with Santa Claus. The cost is $7 for ages 12 and up, $3 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the door. At Santa House, Camp Fire members and volunteers will help children shop for Christmas for their family and friends. The gifts are homemade and affordable. Cowboy Christmas on the Trail returns for the fourth year running Dec. 14-15 to the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum. Performances are scheduled for 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. each of those days. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for children, seniors and military. CTOM invites you to experience a ride on a covered wagon through different scenes and listen to the Legends of Texas re-enact life’s during Christmas on the Trail. Food trucks, vendors, shopping, Cowboy Claus and more. Following the tour, which takes about an hour, participants gather at Winter Wonderland in CTOM’s Star Pavilion. In addition to a fireplace serenade from Cowboy Claus, food trucks will be on hand as will hand-selected vendors selling a variety of items including ornaments and other Christmas decorations. From Dec. 18-21, the Chisholm Trail Museum invites visitors to walk or drive through and look at lights and decorations at the museum. The museum is open from 4-10 p.m. daily. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cider, giveaways, a s’mores station and more. For more information, visit chisholmtrailoutdoormuseum.com . The Hearts of Gold Circle with King’s Daughters and Sons will host its annual Christmas House from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at a new location, Bird’s Nest on the Square, 214 E. Chambers St. The circle uses the funds to provide shoes, coats, medication, eye glasses and school supplies, to name a few items, for the children in the Cleburne schools. The circle also helps with electric bills, water bills and groceries when necessary. The needs are determined with the help of school counselors. The circle will personalize ornaments and other purchases with names, years, etc. The event features a bake sale, raffle, silent auction and pictures with Santa. Also new this year is the Candy Cane Lane. Christmas House brings people from all over the county together for a good cause. For more information, visit the Kings Daughters Hearts of Gold Circle Facebook page. Come have Donuts with Santa and make crafts together on Dec. 14 at Cleburne State Park, 5800 Park Road 21. The event, which is hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6872, begins at 9 a.m. at Cedar Lodge. Attendees will also make crafts and more. This event is free with park admission of $6 per person 13 and older. It is a good idea to make reservations online ahead of time because of capacity limits. For information, visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/cleburne . There are numerous opportunities to celebrate the holidays with your family, whether it be Christmas caroling at a church or shopping at a Holiday Market. Here’s a look at some of the other events happening in Cleburne during Whistle Stop Christmas. Buffalo Creek Fellowship hosts the eighth annual Trail of Campfires on from 5-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds, 1315 S. Main St. in Cleburne. The free community event is a guided tour of the life of Jesus along a trail of campfires. Activities include refreshments, live Christmas music, Christmas hay rides, animal petting zoo and Christmas photo opportunities. Take a guided tour by Mary of the life of Jesus Christ. The event is held indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. Dress warmly. For information, call 817-357-9843 or visit buffalocreekfellowship.faith. Cleburne Bible Church hosts “Follow the Star: A Live Christmas Experience” from 6-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 930 N. Nolan River Road. It will take you on a journey back through the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a live outdoor presentation. Follow the journey of Christ through nine stops, finishing with a Christmas carol sing-a-long with coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. For information, visit cleburnebible.org . Save Old Cleburne is hosting a Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at JN Long Cultural Arts Center, 408 W. Heard St. in Cleburne. Vendor booths of 8-foot by 8-foot are available for $40 each. The Grinch will be there as well. Enjoy Sip N Shop Wine with holiday shopping from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Songbird Live, 210 E. Henderson St. The City of Cleburne presents “Holiday Hoopla” at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Hulen Park, 337 W. Westhill Drive in Cleburne. Activities include Yuletide Ride (a children’s bike parade), holiday activities with the Cleburne Parks and Recreation Department, crafts, reindeer, story time with the Cleburne Public Library, holiday photo opportunities, cookies and more. Downtown Cleburne presents “Shop the Block” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Sip, Shop & Stroll downtown Cleburne shops for some Christmas shopping offering special promotions, refreshments and more. Grab your mom, daughters, girlfriends and come down and shop Historic Downtown. Alvarado An enchanting evening is promised when the city of Alvarado presents its “Magical Old Town Christmas” event on Friday. The extravaganza is from 6-9 p.m. in the festive Town Square in Old Town Alvarado. Horse-drawn carriage rides, delicious foods and hot cocoa to keep participants warm are just a few of the delights. “And the highlight of the night will be Alvarado Projects and Event Committee’s annual Christmas parade,” Events Manager Jules Vincent-Rosen said. “It’s always just brimming with festive floats as our joyful carolers fill the night with holiday cheer.” Alvarado’s 2024 Citizen of the Year will serve as the grand marshal for the parade. “We will be doing something different this year by kicking off the parade from Reunion Drive and proceeding to the historic Town Square,” APEC Treasurer Jameye Jones said. Santa’s elves will be on hand for crafts and treats, a Christmas market will feature local artisans, and a petting zoo will showcase the North Pole’s finest furry friends. Kids (and the young-at-heart) will be able to send letters to Santa — just before getting to meet him in person. For information, email communications@cityofalvaarado.org . Burleson Burleson has numerous opportunities to celebrate this holiday season. The first event is Breakfast with Santa from 7-11 a.m. Saturday at Russell Farm Art Center, 405 W. CR 714. Guests will enjoy a pancake breakfast, making holiday crafts, and of course, visiting Santa himself. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the fun. Space is limited and you will need to choose your start time. Each time slot is 30 minutes and the earliest available is 7 a.m. Cost is $5 or children ages 3-12, $7 for ages 13 and up and free for children under 2. Families are also invited to get into the Christmas spirit at Russell Farm Art Center with Christmas lights, hot beverages and music from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11-14. Celebrate a country Christmas with from 3-6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the farm. The festivities include pictures with a donkey wearing antlers, Christmas craft stations, a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, and additional Christmas-related activities. Make sure to bring your camera to capture all the holiday fun! Christmas at the Library is from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Burleson Public Library, 248 S.W. Johnson Ave. Enjoy refreshments, a holiday scavenger hunt, gift and craft stations and more. Santa needs helpers everywhere, and the Burleson Recreation Center is happy to help. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, parents can drop off their children, ages 6-12, for the afternoon while they get some shopping done. Games, activities and crafts are planned. Lunch is not provided. Cost is $20 for BRiCk members and $25 for nonmembers. The Burleson Rotary Club hosts the annual lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, followed by the city’s tree lighting and drone show. The parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting and drone show at 8 p.m. Singers and dancers entertain the crowd while Santa breaks away from the parade and makes his way to the city stage. The Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza will dazzle with Christmas splendor when the 34-foot-tall Christmas tree, covered with more than 20,000 lights, is turned on by Santa and his helpers. The tree features an interactive Santa’s cabin at the base, creating a perfect backdrop for festive photos. Make sure to stay and watch the spectacular drone show, featuring magical Christmas displays set to holiday music. Come to Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza for a special Holiday Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W. Renfro St. There will be strolling characters in the Plaza, horse carriage rides, pictures with Santa, a holiday bounce house and over 80 vendors to shop. You can also fill Santa’s cabin with Toys for Tots: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to drop off with U.S. Marines on-site. Catch the Grinch strolling around to take free photos with him. Thanks to the Old Town Business Association, you can take free horse-drawn carriage rides during the day and enjoy the festive atmosphere in Old Town this December. Rides are provided by T&T Ranch & Carriages. Join the Burleson Senior Center for their holiday craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at 216 S.W. Johnson Ave. Local vendors will be showcasing their sewn creations, art, jewelry and other handmade items. Buy one-of-a-kind handmade Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. Local vendors will be showcasing their sewn creations, art, jewelry and other handmade items. Be sure to bring some cash, as not all vendors take cards. Godley The city of Godley and Godley Chamber of Commerce hosts Holiday in the Park from 5-9 p.m. Friday. The evening begins with the lighted parade at 5 p.m. To enter, email michelle.clore@godleytx.gov . Enjoy holiday vendors, ornament decorating, cookie decorating, a trackless train with station and conductor, the Sugar Rush Slide, tree lighting, photos with Santa, music, food and fun to get the holiday season started in Godley. Grandview Grandview’s Christmas festivities will be held Dec. 14. The Grandview Christmas Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. in conjunction with other activities and celebrations sponsored by the Greater Grandview Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grandview (and EDC Type B Board). All groups, clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, neighborhoods and more are invited to light up the night with a parade entry. Prizes will be given for best theme ideas, best use of lights and best creative ideas. Parade judges will be hidden in plain sight along the parade route looking for winners. Parade entry is $10 and is due by Monday to ensure placement in the route and judging. Every entry must have a Christmas theme of some type and be lighted in some way. There will be one Santa as provided by the Grandview chamber (more than one Santa is confusing for children). No other parade entries may have a Santa. Parade Prizes for the following categories: • Best Christmas Theme • Best Lighting • Most Creative After the parade, festivities will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at Firefly Stage, 301 E. Criner St. Enjoy live music, pictures with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, games and crafts. For information, visit gvtxchamber.com Joshua Joshua’s Christmas on Main returns from 3-7:30 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy local vendors, a parade and fre pictures with Santa in downtown Joshua. The Guys provide live entertainment. The theme for the parade is “Christmas Movies Come to Life.” Staging begins at 5 p.m. at Joshua Methodist Church and the parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Entry is $10 or an unwrapped toy valued at $10. Donations go to Kaleigh’s Sleigh, which returns to NorthPointe Church on Dec. 14. Volunteers will unload toys from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12 and set up from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Shopping day is Dec. 14, which morning and afternoon shifts available. Keene A longtime Keene ISD school board president is the grand marshal and another resident who does multiple good deeds is parade marshal for the 28th annual Keene Christmas Light Parade at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Keene. The parade will be followed by a fireworks show. The parade and fireworks are presented by the Keene Business Development Corporation Type B board, the Keene Economic Development Corporation Type B board and Oliver Technologies, Pinnacle Bank, and many community partners. Anything with wheels, feet, or hooves, adorned with Christmas lights and is consistent with the theme, “The Reason We Celebrate This Season,” is welcome to participate. Parade staging is at the Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium parking lot at Old Betsy Road and Magnolia Street on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University. Clem Hobbs, who served on the Keene ISD school board for 20 years, including eight as president during construction of the high school, is Grand Marshal. Hobbs received the Pioneer Award in October presented by the Keene Chamber of Commerce as a resident who has contributed positively to Keene. Nathalie “Nathy” Regmund is Parade Marshal. As a volunteer, she is manager of the food pantry located outside the Keene Adventist Church. Daily she keeps the pantry stocked with food supplies that are free to area residents. Parade entry fee is $10 per float and can be paid on site at the registration booth. The fireworks show will immediately follow the parade. The show will be presented west of the Duck Pond at Callicott Student Park. According to organizers, the best place to watch the fireworks is from the Leiske-Pultar parking lot or the embankment along Old Betsy Road between Magnolia and Campus Drive. Parade entrants who want to be judged and be eligible for prizes should be in position at 5 p.m. in the Leiske-Pultar parking lot. Judging begins at 5:15 p.m. All entrants should enter the gymnasium parking lot on Magnolia Street. The parade starts at the Leiske-Pultar parking lot and goes west on Magnolia to Old Betsy Road, south on Old Betsy to Hillcrest, east on Hillcrest to Mockingbird, south on Mockingbird to Fourth, west on Fourth to Old Betsy, and north on Old Betsy back to the Leiske-Pultar parking lot. First-place trophies will be awarded in the following categories: • Best lighted vehicle • Best lighted float • Best animal entry • Best business entry • Best children’s entry • Best Pathfinder club • Best Adventurer club • Best antique entry • Most unique entry One entry will be awarded Best Overall and will receive a trophy. The parade is organized by the Keene Chamber of Commerce. Other sponsors are KTH Transportation, Texas Health Huguley Hospital, Texas Adventist Conference, Southwestern Adventist University, Cleburne Ford, Hopps Automotive, United Cooperative Services, Bob’s Rural Garbage Service, Crest Water, Edward Jones Office of David Sykes, Gillin Realty, Hewlett Office Systems, Keene Pharmacy, Town Hall Estates, and Putnam Service/Lennox. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, the parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. For parade entry information, call the chamber office at 817-556-2995. (c)2024 the Clinton Herald (Clinton, Iowa) Visit the Clinton Herald (Clinton, Iowa) at clintonherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.A HYBRID tomato variety developed by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has proven resilient amid the wet season and back-to-back typhoons this year. Jesslyn Keith Valite of MMSU Strategic Communication Office said this was showcased during a technology demonstration on Dec. 16 at Pastor Wilmar Miguel's farm in Barangay Saricao in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, proving that fresh tomatoes can be enjoyed year-round. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.
Just about everyone dreams about cars they wish they could own, and there’s no better time than the holidays to make a list of vehicles you’d love to have in your driveway. The car pros at Edmunds rounded up five of their favorite dream-worthy vehicles. But rather than just list the most outlandish and expensive exotics, they focused on highlighting models that are expensive but not so pricey that it’d be completely unrealistic for you to own one one day. The vehicles are ordered in ascending order of price and include destination fees. Off-road trucks look fantastic and are extremely capable. What truck enthusiast wouldn’t have one topping their wish list? The king of the hill for 2025 is the F-150 Raptor R. The regular Raptor is already impressive, and the R takes it to the next level with a bonkers 720-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, upgraded Fox dual-value shock absorbers, and massive 37-inch all-terrain tires. An R-specific grille and hood are also part of the R’s upgrades. Thankfully, the Raptor R isn’t all bark and bite. It also has plenty of features to make it a livable truck for daily driving. Standard features include leather upholstery, cooling front seats, a premium sound system, and a surround-view camera to help make this big truck easier to park. Starting Price: $112,825 Few sedans can match the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for opulence, luxury and prestige. This grand sedan showcases nearly every luxury, technology and performance innovation that Mercedes-Benz has concocted. Everything you touch inside is likely covered in leather, heated, or bathed in disco-worthy ambient light. A novel could be written about all of the S-Class’ luxury and comfort features, but one of the most notable is the E-Active Body Control system. It scans the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension to deliver the best ride possible. The S-Class also boasts an extensive list of advanced safety features and has an augmented reality head-up display that projects images that appear to float in front of the car. For the ultimate S-Class, get the 791-horsepower AMG S 63 E Performance model. Starting Price: $118,900 Who needs a European exotic car when the Corvette ZR1 is just as capable? A sports car fanatic’s wish list wouldn’t be right without the ZR1. The new Corvette hit a record-setting top speed of 233 mph, making it the fastest car ever built by an American automaker and the fastest current production car priced under $1 million, according to Chevrolet. The top speed record was possible thanks to the ZR1’s turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that cranks out a staggering 1,064 horsepower. Its carbon-fiber aero package kept it glued to the track by generating over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Chevrolet also says the ZR1 can accelerate through the quarter mile in less than 10 seconds. We expect the Corvette ZR1 to go on sale in early 2025. Estimated starting price: $150,000 Does your wish list include a big and powerful SUV? If it does, the Escalade-V should top it. The big Caddy roars like a muscle car thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that churns out 682 horsepower and helps it hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The Escalade-V also boasts enormous 24-inch wheels and large Brembo brakes that help bring the three-ton SUV to a stop. But the Escalade-V isn’t only about brute power. It also has three rows of seating, plenty of cargo space and offers impressive tech like Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, and an enormous 55-inch curved display that spans the dashboard. Starting Price: $161,990 What if we told you there was a car that could outpace almost anything on a drag strip, keep up with high-end sports cars on a racetrack, and be comfortable enough for daily errands? Well, if that sounds amazing, add the Air Sapphire to your dream list. The Air Sapphire is a high-performance electric luxury sedan made by Lucid, an electric vehicle startup. It’s one of the most powerful production cars in the world, producing an astonishing 1,234 horsepower from its three electric motors. Lucid says it has a top speed of 205 mph and can rocket to 60 mph in a mind-numbing 1.9 seconds. You can adjust the vehicle’s setting for exceptional track performance or simply provide a comfortable ride around town. Starting price: $250,500 Even if you can’t afford any of these vehicles, you can still picture one sitting in your driveway or imagine yourself cruising around town in it. And who knows, maybe holiday magic will give you the opportunity to own one in the future. ____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds . Michael Cantu is a contributor at Edmunds.KUWAIT CITY, Dec 25: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) concluded 2024 with 43 distinguished awards and 4 prestigious Group-wide rankings from various global and regional entities, solidifying its leadership position and successful journey in the Islamic banking sector. The awards recognize KFH's excellence in developing services and products that meet customers' aspirations and enhance their banking experience. The awards also highlight KFH's strong operational performance, sustainable growth, diverse strategic advantages, technological innovation, digital transformation, sustainability leadership, comprehensive corporate banking services, and social responsibility initiatives. In addition, they resemble its great success in implementing nationalization, localization and training programs at the level of the private sector in Kuwait. Acting Group Chief Executive Officer at KFH, Abdulwahab Iesa Al Rushood said that the Bank's recent awards solidify its position as a leading global financial institution. Al Rushood pointed out that these awards and recognitions would not have been possible without the bank shareholders and customers trust in addition to the outstanding efforts and talents of employees by providing the best levels of service to customers according to the highest quality standards. He revealed that the success of the digital transformation strategy – which KFH was one of the first Banks to adopt – was reflected in the series of innovative services, products and solutions that the Bank has been unique in launching in recent years, indicating that this pioneering step made KFH attract new segments of customers and enabled it to meet their changing requirements and achieve their satisfaction, and enhance its leading position in the market. World's Best Islamic Financial Institution Al Rushood added: “KFH won World's Best Islamic Financial Institution Award in 2024 by Global Finance magazine. This prestigious recognition underscores KFH's sustained growth in regional and international operations, market leadership in Islamic finance, and a strong financial foundation and operational performance.” In its 17th annual awards for 2024, held during a special ceremony on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) meetings in Washington, D.C., USA, Global Finance magazine honored KFH Group with four additional awards. KFH Group was recognized as the 'Best Islamic Corporate Bank - Global,' 'Best Islamic Project Finance Provider - Global,' and KFH-Turkey was named 'Best Islamic Financial Institution in Turkey.' Additionally, AUB, a subsidiary of KFH Group, was awarded 'Bahrain's Best Bank. "Best SME Bank" Award During 2024, KFH was awarded "Best SME Bank in Kuwait" by Global Finance Magazine. The award recognizes KFH's leadership in Islamic finance, its excellence in digital banking solutions such as online banking, mobile banking, and digital payments, and its significant market share. KFH holds the first place in financing small and medium enterprises. Additionally, KFH was also recognized as Kuwait's Best Bank for Sustainable Finance by Global Finance magazine. KFH Capital, the investment arm of KFH Group, was also awarded the Best Investment Bank in Kuwait. Best Bank for ESG in Kuwait KFH was recognized for its leading position in the Islamic banking sector by winning five prestigious awards at the ceremony of Euromoney's Middle East Awards for Excellence 2024, held in Dubai. The awards are Kuwait's Best Bank, Kuwait's Best Bank for ESG, Kuwait's Best Digital Bank – tam digital bank, and Kuwait’s Best Islamic Bank. In addition, KFH Capital, the investment arm of KFH Group, won the Islamic Finance Deal of the Year Award for its role in the Republic of Turkey's USD 2.5 billion Sukuk. KFH Capital, the investment arm of KFH Group, has been awarded "Best for Fixed Income in Kuwait" in the 2024 Euromoney Securities Houses Awards. This recognition underscores the company's achievements and contributions, as well as the quality of the Sukuk deals it has arranged. These include Sukuk issuances for the Republic of Turkey, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Saudi Public Investment Fund, as well as local Sukuk issuances for Kuwait Finance House, Equate Petrochemical Company, and Warba Bank. KFH Capital has excelled in delivering a diverse portfolio of uniquely structured investment products. These innovative offerings consistently generate strong returns, making the company a preferred investment choice for both corporate and individual investors. Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Informatics Award Adding to its record of triumphs, KFH received the 23rd edition of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Informatics Award for 2023 for the category of excellence in digital transformation in technical financial solutions. The award ceremony was held at Bayan Palace under the patronage and presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Corporate Social Responsibility Award KFH was recognized with prestigious awards at the 16th Annual EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards. KFH secured the following accolades: Best Islamic Bank - Middle East, Best Bank – Kuwait, Best Islamic Bank – Kuwait, Best Product Launch (Zaheb)- Middle East and Corporate Social Responsibility – Middle East Award. Additionally, KFH won “Best Islamic Finance House” and “Best Financial Institution Sukuk” awards at the 16th Annual EMEA Finance Middle East, Africa and Europe Banking Awards. The "Best Financial Institution Sukuk" award celebrates KFH's successful US$1 billion, 5-year Tier 1 Sukuk issuance under its US$4 billion Sukuk Program. Human Resources KFH reaped 13 global awards in the Human Resources field for the year 2024 from the renowned Brandon Hall Group, a company specialized in the evaluation and performance assessment of Banks, companies, and institutions around the world. This achievement highlights KFH Group’s success in securing the highest number of awards at both the local and regional levels this year. The collection of awards earned by KFH Group includes seven awards specifically awarded to KFH Kuwait, which are: Best Leadership Development Program (Gold) for the Leadership Excellence Program, Best Social Impact (Gold), Best Certification Program (Silver), Best New Hire Onboarding Program (Silver), Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program (Bronze) for Forssah Program, Best Approach to HCM Innovation (Bronze), and Best HR Data Analytics (Bronze). The awards also include six recognitions secured by KFH – Turkey, which are Best Benefits, Wellness and Well-being Program (Gold), Best Selecting and Onboarding Interns (Gold), Best Talent Acquisition Process (Gold), Best Corporate Culture Transformation (Gold), Best Corporate Learning University (Gold) for Kuveyt Turk Academy (KFH- Turkey) and Best Use of Blended Learning (Gold) for Kuveyt Turk Academy (KFH- Turkey). Awards from the Islamic Finance Group KFH Group triumphed at the 2023 Islamic Finance News Awards, receiving three prestigious recognitions from IFN magazine. KFH Group was named Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait for 2023, and its subsidiary, KFH-Turkey, secured the Best Islamic Bank in Turkey award for 2023. Additionally, KFH Capital, KFH's investment arm, clinched the Hybrid Deal of the Year 2023 award for its role in Energy Development of Oman's US$1 billion hybrid Ijarah-Tawarruq Sukuk. Manpower nationalization KFH received an honor from the Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs in GCC States for its distinction and excellence in the execution of the Manpower Nationalization and qualification programs at the private sector level in Kuwait. The recognition was in a special ceremony held in Doha under the patronage of the Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs in GCC. tam Digital Bank tam Digital Bank, Kuwait's first Sharia-compliant digital Bank, won the "Best Technology Use in a Program" award for 2024 at a ceremony organized by Incentive Awards. The London-based event brought together Banks and companies from around the world. tam Digital Bank won the "Best Technology Use in a Program" award for its innovative rewards program. The award was based on a rigorous evaluation of the program, which was deemed the best, unique and youth-centric rewards platform. Key criteria included user engagement, both in earning and redeeming points, the number of app members, the number of visits, and user ratings on the Apple Store. Excellence in e-payment KFH was awarded the Straight Through Processing Excellence Award (STP) by Citibank Group for 2023. KFH was recognized as the best financial institution in the Middle East in the areas for remittances, e-payment services and financial transactions, achieving a perfect score of 100% according to Citibank criteria for this honor. Best Bank in Kuwait for Retail Banking KFH was named the Best Retail Bank in Kuwait by The Asian Banker’s Middle East & Africa Awards program for 2024. Bank of the Year from The Banker KFH was named Bank of the Year 2024 - Kuwait by The Banker, a leading financial publication owned by the Financial Times Group. KFH's second consecutive win of this prestigious award underscores its excellence and leadership in the Kuwaiti banking sector. Forbes Magazine Rating Additionally, KFH achieved a remarkable feat, ranking as the leading Kuwaiti company and tenth in the Middle East in terms of market value and profitability on the Forbes 2024 Top 100 Listed Companies list. This recognition highlights KFH's pioneering role, financial strength, market value, and respected brand. It further strengthens their ambition of becoming a top 100 global bank. First in Growth and Return on Risk KFH Group was ranked first in the Kuwaiti banking sector in terms of growth and return on risk for this year’s Top 100 Arab Banks Rankings from The Banker, reinforcing its journey of outstanding achievements and global recognition. ESG Rating KFH was awarded an "A" rating by MSCI for its exemplary performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This prestigious rating underscores KFH's commitment to sustainable finance and its leadership in integrating ESG principles into its operations and strategic initiatives. In addition, KFH was included in the FTSE4Good Index Series. Created by the global index and data provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. Al Rushood stressed that that the awards are not just an appreciation, but rather a motivation to achieve more successes and accomplishments in the future. They are also evidence of KFH's ability to provide innovative products and services to meet customer’s needs, advance the banking industry and strengthen the Kuwaiti economy.