General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday questioned the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) ability to be accountable in Government given the party leaders’ refusal to answer questions relating to 2015 to 2020 when they served as ministers in the Coalition government. Jagdeo was at the time referring to a restriction placed on media practitioners during a recent AFC media conference where Executive Member Cathy Hughes narrowed questions to specific topics. She further stated that questions relating to five years ago –when her party was in Government –will not be addressed. “I really want you to pose questions that are topical to the issues we are discussing today. We are not prepared to entertain questions that go back four or five years,” Hughes told reporters in the presence of the AFC’s Leader Nigel Hughes, Chairman David Patterson and Executive Member Khemraj Ramjattan. The audio was replayed by Jagdeo at Thursday’s press conference where he pointed out that clarifications for decisions made five years ago is a form of showing accountability. “If they can’t be accountable now, how would they be accountable if they have political power?” he questioned adding that “it’s a kind of arrogance they had when they had political power, they brought it back out into the opposition.” The PPP General Secretary outlined that there are several issues during the APNU+AFC’s tenure which the party members can shed light on including the negotiation of the current Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and the issuance of contracts from Cathy Hughes former Ministry of Telecommunications to a company she owned. “How could you take the political party like this seriously when the entire leadership...says we will tell you what you can ask and we will not take questions from the past?” Jagdeo emphasised. In contrast, Jagdeo, who is also the country’s Vice President, noted that he can answer any question posed to him about his party, even if it predates his presidency. “If you ask me about a question from the 1950s when the party was formed, I will take your questions and give you an answer,” he told reporters.The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings2024 was a period of time marked by instability in some locations around the world. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of Microsoft 365 customers worldwide reported having issues with services like Outlook and Teams on Monday. In social media posts and comments on platforms like outage tracker Downdetector, some impacted said that they were having trouble seeing their emails, loading calendars or opening other Microsoft 365 applications such as Powerpoint. Microsoft acknowledged “an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar” earlier in the day. In updates posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the company’s status page said it identified a “recent change” that it believed to be behind the problem — and was working to revert it. Microsoft shared that it was deploying a fix — which, as of shortly before noon E.T., it said had reached about 98% of “affected environments.” Still, the company’s status page later added , targeted restarts were “progressing slower than anticipated for the majority of affected users.” As of midday Monday, Downdetector showed thousands of outage reports from users of Microsoft 365 , particularly Outlook .Asia markets set to open higher as investors await Japan GDP and China inflation data

This is CNBC's live blog covering Asia-Pacific markets. Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed Monday as traders assessed revised economic growth data from Japan and awaited China's November inflation data. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Japan's Nikkei 225 was up 0.15%, while the Topix gained 0.2%. Japan's third-quarter GDP was revised to 0.3% on a quarter-on-quarter basis, up from 0.2% and above estimates from a Reuters poll that predicted no change. South Korea's Kospi was down 1.3%, while the Kosdaq dropped 2.8% amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country. Over the weekend, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment vote in parliament, but the leader of his party said the president would eventually resign. Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures were at 19,821 lower than the HSI's last close of 19,865.85. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.3%. In the U.S. on Friday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to fresh records after November jobs data came in slightly better than expected , but not so hot as to deter the Federal Reserve from cutting rates again later this month. The broad market S&P 500 climbed 0.25% to 6,090.27. Tech-heavy Nasdaq advanced 0.81% to 19,859.77, bolstered by gains in Tesla , Meta Platforms and Amazon . The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 123.19 points, or 0.28%, to close at 44,642.52. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq went on to their third straight positive week as well, rising 0.96% and 3.34%, respectively. The Dow slipped 0.6% during the period. — CNBC's Sean Conlon, Lisa Kailai Han and Pia Singh contributed to this report. CNBC Pro: Five global stocks the pros are buying before the start of 2025 2024 has seen some massive stock rallies, as investor interest in themes such as AI has shown little sign of waning. As the year-end nears, CNBC Pro asked three fund managers what global stocks they are buying in the lead-up to 2025, as they attempt to get ahead of the curve. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Amala Balakrishner S&P 500 to hit 6,700 by year-end 2025, says HSBC The S&P 500 is set for more gains in 2025, according to HSBC. The firm said it expects the broad market index to hit 6,700 by the end of next year, which implies more than 10% upside from Thursday's close. The index has already risen more than 27% this year. "While this year's equity rally was a mix of both earnings growth and a valuation re-rating (c50/50), we expect next year's equity returns to be focused on earnings growth as valuations are more stretched," analyst Nicole Inui told clients in a Friday note. "Overall, we expect earnings to grow by 9% incorporating a slower but still resilient US economy and some margin expansion." Inui also said she expects the U.S. economy to slow over the course of the next year but remain resilient as inflation eases. That would enable the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by another 125 basis points, she forecast. — Sean Conlon UBS says 'a constructive stance is warranted on global equities' next year Despite the threat of tariffs next year, investors should stay bullish on stocks in 2025, according to UBS. "Heading into 2025, we think a constructive stance is warranted on global equities, and on U.S. stocks in particular," the bank wrote in a Friday report. "We note that historically U.S. equities tend to rally into presidential elections and after, with the average gain in the 150 trading days following an election averaging near 5% in data going back to 1928 for the S&P 500." UBS added that the U.S. sectors it views as most attractive are the technology, utilities and financial sectors. — Lisa Kailai Han November jobs report beats expectations The U.S. economy added 227,000 jobs in November, marking a sharp rebound from the previous month. Economist polled by Dow Jones expected an increase of 214,000 jobs for the month. Jobs growth for October was revised to 36,000 from 12,000. The unemployment rate came in at 4.2% for November, as was expected. — Fred Imbert

Billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy met on Thursday with Republican lawmakers whose support they will need to win the sweeping spending cuts that President-elect Donald Trump has asked them to find. Trump has named two entrepreneurs to a task force that aims for a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. government, which spent $6.8 trillion in the most recent fiscal year. Musk has set a target of $2 trillion in savings, though he has not said whether that would come in a single year or over a longer period. The two chairs of the Department of Government Efficiency have called for firing thousands of federal workers, slashing regulations and eliminating programs whose authorization has expired, such as veterans' healthcare. That could be easier said than done. Any changes to veterans' benefits or other popular programs that serve millions of Americans would likely encounter fierce blowback, and efforts to thin the workforce could disrupt everything from law enforcement to air traffic control. "We want to help him in any way that we can. He's got, obviously, a big mission. But we all think the effort they're undertaking is long overdue," Senator John Thune, who will lead the Republican majority next year, told reporters after meeting with Musk. Musk, who earlier rushed through the Capitol's crowded corridors clutching the hand of a small child, offered few details on how he will try to accomplish his sweeping cost-cutting goals. "I think we just need to make sure we spend the public's money well," said Musk. The billionaire CEO of electric car maker Tesla and SpaceX addressed only one specific policy specific, when asked about electric vehicle tax credits, responding: "I think we should get rid of all credits." Musk's companies benefit from federal contracts and tax breaks and also are subject to regulatory oversight, raising concerns that his involvement with the efficiency panel creates a conflict of interest. Ramaswamy met separately with a group of Senate Republicans including Thom Tillis, who said afterward they discussed actions the Trump administration could take on its own, rather than those that would require legislation. "Is this an administrative action that doesn't require congressional approval? Rock on. Do it now or do it after Jan 20," he told reporters. As co-chairs of the efficiency task force, Musk and Ramaswamy, a former biotech executive, would likely have to work with Congress to secure significant reductions. Republicans will control both chambers of Congress and the White House next year, but they may struggle to win significant reductions. While lawmakers sign off on roughly $1.7 trillion in defense and domestic programs each year, most federal spending consists of health, pension and other benefit programs that lie outside of the annual budget process. Lawmakers also have no control over interest payments, which are projected to top $1 trillion in this fiscal year. Republican lawmakers have said they are eager to cooperate. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a hard-right firebrand, will chair a House of Representatives panel to work with Musk and Ramaswamy, and Senate lawmakers have also expressed openness to the idea. Republicans secured limited spending cuts in a 2023 showdown with Democratic President Joe Biden but have been unable to agree on further reductions since then. Trump has broken with former Republican orthodoxy by saying he will not cut benefits for the Social Security pension plan or the Medicare health plan for seniors, which together account for more than one-third of federal spending. Trump showed little interest in spending cuts during his first 2017-2021 term in office, when federal expenditures grew from $4 trillion to $6.2 trillion. Congress did not act on his proposal to eliminate more than a dozen small government agencies and failed to repeal Democratic President Barack Obama's signature Affordable Care Act, a central goal of the party.Charities that help the poor in Lakewood can resume their outreach work from the town square, about a week after one organization was barred from doing so over permitting issues. The Rev. Steve Brigham said Thursday the township is allowing his volunteers to resume their pop-up food pantry after the group was recently approached by police to break down their setup and leave. Brigham was forced to cancel a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless last week after he said his group was told by police they’d need proper permits to assemble in the town square. Lakewood Township Mayor Ray Coles defended the action by the town, stating that it was never the intention to prevent anyone from assisting the homeless and less fortunate. “What we were attempting to do was develop a schedule, so we knew who wanted to use the square and when,” the mayor said in a statement. “There was never any intent to prevent those who wish to assist folks. We are grateful for the efforts of Destiny’s Bridge and the other groups to provide comfort, especially at this time of the year.” The minister, who is known for publicly advocating for the homeless, said he believes the township may have fielded an uptick in complaints of squatters gathering in the brick-lined plaza on Clifton Avenue and Third Street. “The center of the community is the town square,” Brigham told NJ Advance Media on Thursday. “It’s natural for people to congregate, and it’s the center of town. It’s also the social center of town.” Brigham leads Destiny’s Bridge, a charity providing small homes to homeless seeking temporary shelters. His attorney, Jeff Wilde, contacted the township on behalf of several charity groups that utilize the plaza to help the poor. Wilde couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. Brigham said a resolution between the township and the lawyer was reached earlier Thursday. Destiny’s Bridge intends to resume its 25-year-old practice of handing out supplies from the plaza Saturday morning. After first being warned by authorities, volunteers returned about a week later to distribute food and clothing. They were again told by police to disperse, and have not been back since, the minister said. Stories by Eric Conklin Iconic Wonderland Pier owner: ‘If someone wants to buy it, I would absolutely sell it tomorrow’ Minke whale stranded on Jersey Shore beach had diseases, fluid in organs Future of iconic N.J. boardwalk theme park will be presented at meeting. Here’s how to watch. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com .-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Bibi Hutchings, a lifelong Southerner, lives along a quiet coastal Alabama bay with her cat, Zulu, and husband, Tom. She writes about the magical way food evokes memories, instantly bringing you back to the people, places and experiences of your life. Her stories take you all around the South and are accompanied with tried-and-true recipes that are destined to become a part of your memory-making as you share them with your friends and family. Looking for an easy, festive and fresh holiday appetizer or hostess gift? This chutney is it! It does not hurt that it is a gorgeous shade of ruby red and so very versatile. Spooned over cream cheese or chèvre, then top with chopped green scallions for one of my favorite appetizers during this time of year. The chutney practically makes itself once you toss all the ingredients together in a saucepan, but you would think this standout relish of sorts requires much more effort. Tangy and sweet with the pleasing, piquant bite of reduced apple cider vinegar, it is a celebration of the cranberry and a world-class condiment on a turkey sandwich. Related This Thanksgiving, don't f**k with holiday tradition (and give me my canned cranberries) Worry not, this is no replacement for your favorite cranberry sauce. I mean, I suppose it could be , but the very idea of changing out what might be the most esteemed and quintessential side (cornbread dressing excluded) is not even entertained at my house. I am actually part of a two-cranberry sauce family, which amuses me since I lack real passion for any of it, but I assure you this chutney does not act as a substitute for either. I understand fully the importance of maintaining tradition during holiday meals as well as being open and welcoming to the newbies coming into the group, particularly those entering by way of marriage, who bring with them their own favorite dishes and tastes. You may wind up with three kinds of dressing and more green bean casserole than any group of eight could ever consume, but making room for other people’s family traditions is an act of love. Want more great food writing and recipes? Subscribe to Salon Food's newsletter , The Bite. My experience says you can add all you want to your hallowed family menus . . . just do not take anything away. I learned the hard way about the importance of canned cranberry sauce one Thanksgiving many moons ago, and ever since I remain stocked, three cans deep, from October to New Year’s. For some folks, the attachment is real. And honestly, why rain on their parade? Those perfectly cut, firm, fork-able rounds are the easiest thing in the world to plop out and place on a platter. Bless Ocean Spray, I say, for creating something so economical that is so important to so many. Cranberry Chutney, on the other hand, is strong and complex and in an entirely different category than cranberry sauce. You will not step on anyone’s toes when you bring this to the party. Use it as an accompaniment to prop up a tired appetizer — like that cheese ball of yours — or add a dollop to the side of your plate for when your taste buds crave a little zing to make the perfect bite. Include it on your charcuterie board and drizzle it over creamy, cheesy dips. You will find endless ways to incorporate it during the holidays when fresh cranberries are abundant at the grocery store. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism Cranberry Chutney Yields 3 cups Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 60 minutes Ingredients 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 cup brown or coconut sugar 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (a little goes a long way) 2 cinnamon sticks 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped 1/4 cup dried figs, chopped 1/4 cup currants (or golden raisins cut in half) 1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped 1 to 2 jalapeños, deseeded and diced 2 stalks celery, diced 2” knob of fresh ginger, grated Zest of 1 lemon Zest and juice of 1 orange 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole cranberries For serving over chèvre or cream cheese: 1 bunch green onions, green parts only, chopped extra thin Optional: toasted chopped walnuts or toasted sesame seeds Serve with water crackers or similar plain cracker Directions Over medium-high heat, bring vinegar and sugar to a boil. Once sugar is dissolved, add remaining ingredients —spices through cranberries. Stir well and bring back up to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer low, with lid askew (mostly uncovered), for about 45-60 min, or until thick. Remove cinnamon sticks and allow to cool to room temperature before spooning into jars. Chutney will keep for a week or longer in the refrigerator. Cook's Notes Dried fruits and vegetables: Although it all cooks down, I find it best to chop everything on the small side. The dried apricots and figs should be quartered, and the apple diced to a similar size. Dice the celery and jalapeño very small. Taste the jalapeño for heat. If it is exceptionally mild, add a few seeds to spice it up. The level of heat is up to you. Add a few dried cherries to the mix of fruits if you feel so inclined. Use the overall amounts in the recipe but add and subtract to create variety. I do not advise using dates, however. Read more about this topic Too good to go? The second life of leftovers No need to overload your cranberry sauce with sugar this holiday season Cranberries can bounce, float and pollinate themselves: The saucy science of a Thanksgiving classic By Bibi Hutchings Bibi Hutchings, a lifelong Southerner, lives along a quiet coastal Alabama bay with her cat, Zulu, and husband, Tom. She writes about the magical way food evokes memories, instantly bringing you back to the people, places and experiences of your life. Her stories take you all around the South and are accompanied with tried-and-true recipes that are destined to become a part of your memory-making as you share them with your friends and family. MORE FROM Bibi Hutchings Related Topics ------------------------------------------ Christmas Cranberry Cranberry Chutney Food Holidays Recipe Related Articles Advertisement:

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Woolston Brass will perform a fundraising event for theChristchurch City Mission on Monday 16 December, whichstarts inside the Cathedral then moves outside intoCathedral Square at 7pm. The first part of theconcert, inside the Cathedral, will be livestreamed from6.45pm - 7pm on Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd(CCRL) Instagram and Facebook pages. At 7pm, the30-strong band will move outside Cathedral Square andperform to the public until about 7.45pm. It’s thefirst instrumental performance inside the Cathedral sincethe earthquakes in 2011. Woolston Brass generalmanager Todd Turner said they did not hesitate when CCRLinvited them to play inside. “Founded in 1891,Woolston Brass are of the same vintage as the Cathedral. Wehave missed it. The Cathedral has lots of memories for usand so many amazing musicians have playedthere." “We are so sad that the reinstatementproject has had to pause. This is our way of showing oursupport for the Cathedral and raising some much-needed fundsfor the Christchurch City Mission.” “We and CCRLare two charities joining forces for another, the CityMission, at Christmas.” Limited spots are stillavailable to visit the 10-metre City Mission Christmas treeinside the Christ Church Cathedral apse, continuing thepre-quakes’ tradition where members of the public wouldeach year leave Christmas gifts for children in need underthe City Mission tree. The Anglican Church remainsfirmly committed to reinstatement of Christ ChurchCathedral. While construction is paused, there has been nopause in work by CCRL to find solutions that will see theproject completed. Chairman Mark Stewart reiteratedCCRL’s continued endeavours as careful custodians of theCathedral now that the heritage fabric has been secured andprotected. Mark Stewart said that even though the CCRLteam has reduced from 5.8 full-time equivalent staff to 1.8,they are keeping funding conversations alive withGovernment, Council and donors. “We will continue toprotect our city’s heritage, our taonga. As well as aspiritual place, our Cathedral is a symbol of human andsocial accomplishment. A thread that connects generations.That is what motivates ourendeavour.”