22 jili slot The EU's investigation aims to determine whether the partnership between Google and Meta has unfairly leveraged their market power to the detriment of competition and consumer choice. By gaining access to sensitive data and insights through their collaboration, the two tech giants may have established an unfair advantage over other players in the digital advertising ecosystem.In conclusion, the deployment of these measures by the Ministry of Education and six other departments underscores the government's commitment to strengthening teacher respect and well-being. By providing financial support, professional development opportunities, health services, and recognition for teachers, the government aims to create a positive and empowering environment for educators to thrive. It is hoped that these efforts will not only elevate the status of teachers but also improve the quality of education and contribute to the overall development of the country.Vincent Price’s favorite holiday was Christmas, and the horror icon couldn’t resist pulling a prank on his wife each December, according to his daughter. Victoria Price told Fox News Digital that her father, the star of classic horror movies like “House on Haunted Hill” and “Edward Scissorhands,” had a “weakness for large jewelry that he loved buying his wives,” and after going to Poland in 1974 he gifted her stepmother a chunky bone butterfly necklace. “My stepmother hated it,” Price said. “That wasn’t her cup of tea. And unlike us, she just said it. ‘I will never wear this. I hate it.’” She said that her stepmom also likely wasn’t “endeared” by the fact that he also gave a necklace to her mom, Mary Grant Price. She continued, “My dad loved Christmas; he was like Father Christmas. Christmas was his favorite holiday. They were married for 18 years. Every year for the next 18 years, [her stepmother] would get in her thing of Christmas packages some beautiful Tiffany box or something, and there it was, every damn year that bone necklace, so that was my dad’s humor.” She said her dad was a habitual prankster, once leaving a “disgusting corroded denture” under her pillow when she expected a nickel from the Tooth Fairy, and jumping out and surprising candy givers when he took her trick-or-treating. Price said her family celebrated a “very traditional” Christmas that involved opening stockings with their family, sweet rolls and eggnog, lunch and exchanging presents all day long with their extended family, and finally a big New Year’s Eve party with a band and dancing. “The Christmas tree was always a big deal,” she said. “We lived in a very large house. It had very high ceilings, so [her mother] had to buy Christmas trees where the department stores bought theirs.” She said their whole house was decorated, and her mother turned their tree into a “work of art,” and she even got her own little “Charlie Brown” tree that she could decorate. “All the artwork had bows on it and, you know, different figures had, you know, ornaments on them. And, it was a very joyful time,” she said. Price said they also traveled together for a lot of Christmases as a child, including places like London and Boston. She got one of her favorite gifts, a portable typewriter, while they were spending Christmas in England one year, but her favorite gift was one she got from her dad every Christmas – a $10 gift certificate to a bookstore in Beverly Hills where she was able to buy a stack of books. “My dad and I would go to Hunter’s Books after I got my certificate, and he would amuse himself for as long as it took. There was no time limit,” she remembered. “He would look at the art books, have a lovely time, and I would just spend so much time trying to figure out the perfect 10 books I wanted with my $10 worth. And then I would go home, lock myself in the room and be done with them, I don’t know, like 24 hours later. And then my dad would always be sort of pretend-angry. ‘I can’t believe I just spent $10, and you run through it like that,’ you know?’ . . . and I knew he loved how much I loved to read.”

The expulsion of Wu Yingjie and the ongoing anti-corruption efforts in China demonstrate a commitment to promoting clean governance and upholding the principles of the Communist Party. While the road to eradicating corruption is long and challenging, the Chinese government's proactive stance sends a clear message that integrity and accountability are non-negotiable values in the pursuit of a more just and prosperous society.Lisa Weston has announced her candidacy for La Crosse’s District 12 city council seat, challenging long-time incumbent Doug Happel’s bid for reelection. District 12 begins at state Highway 33 and follows Pammel Creek to Hintgen Elementary School. Weston Weston has spent much of her adult life in La Crosse. She graduated with a degree in secondary education from UW-La Crosse in 2005 and later returned to the area after earning her master's degree from the University of Northern Iowa. She is an as an associate director of residence life at UW-L and wants to continue making a difference in the community. “La Crosse is a great, family friendly place to live and work,” said Weston. “I have always been civically engaged, as I grew up with parents who role-modeled the importance of giving back to the community and doing the hard work of public servants. Even as a teenager, I knew a great deal about how the school board, fire department, and church decisions were made because of how my parents spent their time.” This background has influenced her decision to run, and if elected, she hopes to use her experience to make a difference in La Crosse. “I value collaboration, effective communication, and being a problem solver. I care a great deal about ensuring that community members can share their voice, feedback, and ideas,” said Weston. “I know that most La Crosse residents want a sense of belonging, safety, and a variety of opportunities for social interaction and meaningful work. We want our children to have the same in this community. And I know, first hand, that many college students who come here to study at our institutions of higher education, experience this, and often want to stay.” While Weston has not previously run for elected office, she has a history of community involvement. Currently, she volunteers at several local organizations including the Mormon Coulee Lion’s Club, State Road PTO, and the English Lutheran Church. The spring election for La Crosse mayor, council members in districts 7-13, and a special election for the District 5 seat will take place Tuesday, April 1. All positions are elected to four-year terms. The deadline to file ballot documents is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the city clerk’s office.

In conclusion, the village's prompt and coordinated response to the incident showcased their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The courage and compassion displayed by the villagers in the wake of a potential disaster serve as a testament to the strength of community spirit and unity in times of need. The incident may have been a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the wild, but it also highlighted the unwavering resolve of the villagers to stand together and overcome any challenges that come their way.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — De’Vondre Campbell’s decision to quit on his team in the middle of a game overshadowed the bigger issues for the San Francisco 49ers. An offense that was one of the most dynamic in the NFL during a run to the Super Bowl last season has been just ordinary for most of 2024 and was downright bad in on Thursday night that just about ended San Francisco’s playoff hopes. San Francisco (6-8) was held to its fewest yards (191) in a regular-season game in eight seasons under coach Kyle Shanahan and its fewest points since Shanahan’s debut in 2017 on a rainy night that will be remembered mostly for Campbell walking off the field in the middle of the game with a towel draped over his head. The game also featured San Francisco going three-and-out on four drives as Brock Purdy struggled to connect with his receivers. a potential touchdown pass after about a lack of touches. Purdy then missed Ricky Pearsall on an underthrown deep shot in the fourth quarter before throwing an interception into the end zone that ended the Niners’ comeback attempt. “I just feel like I had a lot of plays left out there that I could have made for our team,” Purdy said. “I thought the defense and special teams played so good. That’s what’s hurting me is I just feel like I failed the team. I could have been better for our offense and we could have put up more points.” Scoring has been an issue this season for the 49ers, who have been missing key playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk for much of the season. San Francisco is scoring 8.5 fewer points per game on offense than the Niners did through 14 games last season. What’s working Red-zone defense. After allowing touchdowns on 13 consecutive red-zone drives over the previous four games, the 49ers kept the Rams out of the end zone on all three drives that went inside the 20. What needs help Receivers. The 49ers failed to get much production from their wide receivers with Purdy going 6 for 20 for 63 yards with an INT and a 19.4 rating when targeting wideouts. Samuel had 16 yards on seven targets with the key drop. Jauan Jennings had two drops and was the target on the interception. Pearsall had one catch for 16 yards on four targets. Stock up LB Dre Greenlaw returned for the first time since tearing his left Achilles tendon in last season’s Super Bowl. Greenlaw had eight tackles in the first half as he brought needed intensity and physical play that had been missing for much of the season. Stock down Campbell. The 49ers are deciding whether to waive or suspend Campbell, who lost his starting job when Greenlaw returned and then refused to play when he was needed. “His actions from the game just is not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still expect to be a part of our team,” Shanahan said. “We’re working through exactly the semantics of it right now, but we’ll handle the situation appropriately.” Injuries Greenlaw came out of the game feeling OK after leaving with soreness in his knee and Achilles tendon. He is day to day. ... S Ji’Ayir Brown (groin) and LB Dee Winters (neck) are also day to day. ... LT Trent Williams (ankle) is still trying to get back to play after missing the last four games. Shanahan said Williams’ recovery has been “a lot slower than anticipated.” Key number 0 — The Niners didn’t reach the red zone once all game, with their deepest penetration into Rams territory being when they reached the 27 on a third-quarter field goal drive. This marked the first time since Week 11 in 2010 that the 49ers didn’t run a single play inside the opponent’s 25. What’s next The 49ers visit Miami on Dec. 22. ___ AP NFL:

A proposed deal that would see three tobacco giants pay out billions to provinces and territories, as well as smokers across Canada, has been approved by the companies' creditors, a lawyer representing some of the creditors said Thursday, calling it an important milestone in a lengthy legal saga. The proposed $32.5-billion global settlement between the companies — JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. — and their creditors was announced in October after more than five years of negotiations. Representatives for the creditors, which include provincial governments seeking to recover smoking-related health-care costs as well as plaintiffs in two Quebec class-action lawsuits, voted on the plan in a virtual meeting Thursday afternoon. André Lespérance, who represents plaintiffs in one of the Quebec lawsuits, said creditors overwhelmingly supported the proposal. "We're not surprised, but we're glad the creditors are united right now to see this plan approved," he said in French. Before the plan can be implemented, it must obtain the approval of the court. A hearing has been scheduled for the end of January, and Lespérance said he's optimistic the proposed deal will clear that hurdle as well. "I think we're really close to the end," he said. Dominique Claveau, executive director of the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health, which is part of the lawsuit, said they look forward to having the court "bring this long-fought battle for justice and truth to its conclusion." The proposed deal includes $24 billion for provinces and territories, $4 billion for tens of thousands of Quebec smokers and their heirs, and more than $2.5 billion for smokers in other provinces and territories. It also includes more than $1 billion for a foundation to help those affected by tobacco-related diseases. British Columbia Premier David Eby, whose province initiated legal action against the three tobacco companies in 1998, said the deal is "a critical step forward after 20 years of litigation." "Tobacco has harmed far too many people, and tobacco companies have avoided accountability for far too long," Eby said in a statement. "We urge tobacco companies to take responsibility for their deceptive actions and accept this plan." At least one of the companies has said it opposes the plan in its current form. The Canadian Cancer Society, which is a social stakeholder in the case, said Thursday it hopes the proposal will be amended before it's approved by the court. Rob Cunningham, the organization's lawyer, said the plan should include smoking-reduction measures and the release of confidential industry documents, similar to what was achieved in the United States decades ago. "There's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to better control the tobacco industry and to reduce tobacco use. We're never going to get this chance again," he said. The foundation funded through the proposed deal should also have its mandate expanded to include prevention of tobacco-related disease and public awareness efforts to help people quit smoking, said Manuel Arango, vice-president of policy and advocacy for Heart & Stroke. "We already have a lot of studies and a lot of knowledge about the treatment of tobacco-related disease," he said. "So it's really about looking forward and helping prevent tobacco-related disease in the future." The proposal is the culmination of a corporate restructuring process set off by a decades-long legal battle over the health effects of smoking. In 2015, a Quebec court ordered the three companies to pay about $15 billion in two class-action lawsuits involving smokers in the province who took up the habit between 1950 and 1998 and either fell ill or were addicted, or their heirs. Four years later, the landmark ruling was upheld by the province's Appeal Court. The companies then sought creditor protection in Ontario in order to negotiate a global settlement with their creditors. All of the legal proceedings against them were put on hold during the talks. That order has now been extended until Jan. 31, 2025. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Paola Loriggio, The Canadian PressKings’ slumbering offense needs a jolt against Seattle

Students who left high school without a diploma because they didn’t pass their MCAS exams will get a second chance under new state guidance issued this week. The retroactive guidance, released Dec. 11 by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, says former students “must be afforded a process” to earn their “competency determination” based on their successful completion of required classwork, not their MCAS scores. “District processes must allow former students who satisfactorily completed the relevant coursework to earn a CD,” the guidance stated. The guidance only applies to students who met all local graduation requirements but did not earn their competency determination because of the three 10th-grade MCAS tests previously required for a diploma. State education officials have said about 700 students a year don’t graduate solely because of MCAS. In November, voters passed Question 2 , which eliminated the requirement that public school students must achieve certain scores on their 10th-grade English language arts, math and science MCAS tests to achieve a diploma. MCAS tests will still be administered as usual and the state will continue to collect the same data. In the two months since the election, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been tasked with issuing guidance for school districts moving forward. Now that voters have had their say, advocates and opponents of Question 2 want the state to create a new statewide graduation requirement so that all public school students are held to core standards no matter where they’re enrolled. Until then, districts must develop their own competency determinations. That process, DESE says, should be aligned with the new statute language created by Question 2; be approved by the governing board of the district, shared with all students, families/guardians, and district stakeholders' and be publicly available in multiple languages. Districts should certify that students have “satisfactorily completed coursework aligned with state academic standards and curriculum frameworks in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and at least one Science discipline (Biology, Introductory Physics, Chemistry, or Technology/Engineering),” the agency said. In regards to former students, that means school districts will also have to develop their own processes for determining that students previously met the “competency determination” outside of their MCAS scores. MORE ON MCASNone

Hawks predicted to make desperate trade for Bulls’ sensational All-Star center | Sporting News

Title: Lindelof Expected to Return in Midweek Europa League, Evans and Shaw's Comeback Dates UnknownOne key consideration is the current state of the housing market. Despite the increase in mortgage rates, housing prices have remained relatively stable in many regions. This suggests that demand for housing continues to outstrip supply, creating a competitive market environment for buyers. In such a scenario, delaying a property purchase could result in higher prices down the line, potentially offsetting any savings from waiting for lower interest rates.

However, the pursuit of the Brazilian international is not without its challenges. Competition from other top clubs vying for his signature, as well as the financial demands of his current club, could complicate the negotiations. But the team remains determined and focused on securing his services, recognizing the impact he could have on their performance and results.VANCOUVER — The British Columbia New Democrats have negotiated a deal with the two Green Party members of the legislature that will help stabilize the New Democrats' slim majority government, Premier David Eby says. The premier said in a statement Friday that while the two parties are distinct and won't always agree, they have "many shared values." Eby's party won a bare majority with 47 seats in the October provincial election, while two Greens were elected and the B.C. Conservatives have 44 seats. He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they'll work together to achieve, which includes health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy. "This agreement will strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians. We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people," Eby said. The stability of the NDP government got even shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she had cancer and was stepping away from her role as children's minister. B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has said he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its "destructive policies." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press

Throughout the rest of the ceremony and reception, there were subtle nods to Matthew's mother, from her favorite songs playing in the background to her signature dish being served as part of the meal. It was clear that she may have left this world, but she would always hold a special place in Matthew's heart and in the hearts of all who knew her.

It is also worth considering the impact of rising mortgage rates on your overall financial health. Higher borrowing costs could affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage or result in higher monthly payments, potentially straining your budget. However, locking in a mortgage now could provide certainty and stability in a time of economic uncertainty.

Sanaullah says 'won't accept pressure' from US to release Imran Govt did not commence dialogue with PTI due to Donald Trump, clarifies PM's aide Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday ruled out any possibility that the government would accept any pressure from the new US administration led by President-elect Donald Trump to release Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. When questioned about potential pressure from the Trump administration in view of its loyalist Richard Grenell's tweet demanding Imran's release, Sanaullah replied: "We would not work under pressure of Donald Trump [...] if any intervention is made then we would consider it as interference in our sovereignty." Grenell, who has been picked by Trump as "envoy for special missions" earlier this month, had called for release of former premier Imran — who remains incarcerated at the Adiala jail since August last year — via writing "Release Imran Khan" on X last month. The premier's aide, who is also one of the members of the government's negotiation committee, further said that they did not commence dialogue with the major opposition party due to Trump. He stressed that negotiations should be held bilaterally between the treasury and the opposition. He also said that Pakistan had witnessed ups and downs in its bilateral ties with the US, however, Islamabad would not accept anything against its national interests. To another question, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader replied that the federal government would not create obstacles if the Imran Khan-founded party seeks "conclusive and time-bound" talks. He, however, said that it won't be possible if both sides agreed on all demands during the talks, adding that the government was not in haste to summon meetings immediately. He was pointing towards the recent statement of the embattled PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan in which he sought government's “timeframe” in connection with progress on their demands after the latter met Imran at Adiala Jail today. “Dialogues should be held within [a specified] timeframe,” Gohar said, quoting the incarcerated PTI founder, urging the incumbent government to make progress. The PTI founder expressed his satisfaction over initiating the negotiation process, he added. Responding to a question, the PTI chairman said that matters related to the civil disobedience movement were not discussed in the meeting. The development came a day after the ruling coalition and the PTI came to table to defuse political tensions in the cash-strapped country. Negotiating committees, formed by the government and the PTI, conducted their much-hyped meeting in a conducive environment and resolved to continue dialogue process a day ago. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who presided over the meeting, had said that the next session will be held on January 2 and PTI’s team would present a charter of their demands in the huddle. Military courts’ verdicts announced in line with SC’s judgment: FO Imran Khan seeks progress on PTI's demands within specific timeframe K-Electric slapped with Rs4.8m fine for electrocution of child Asad Qaiser unveils key demands in PTI-govt talksThis concludes our recap of the latest tech news. Stay informed, stay connected, and embrace the future of technology with anticipation and curiosity.( MENAFN - The Rio Times) The loonie's descent has caught the attention of economists and investors alike. As of December 2024, the Canadian dollar trades below 70 cents US, its lowest point since March 2020. This sharp decline stems from a combination of factors that have created a challenging environment for Canada's currency. The bank of Canada 's aggressive rate cuts have played a significant role. With 175 basis points of cuts since June 2024, the BoC has outpaced other G10 central banks in monetary easing. This divergence from the US federal Reserve's policy has weakened the loonie's appeal to global investors. Political uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's surprise resignation over budget disagreements has raised the possibility of a snap election before October 2025. This development, coupled with the threat of US tariffs, has further eroded confidence in the Canadian dollar. The economic picture remains gloomy. Canada 's GDP per capita has declined by 3% since September 2022, a drop unprecedented outside of a recession. Canada's Economic Outlook This sluggish growth, combined with rising unemployment, paints a concerning picture for the nation's economic health. For investors, the weakening loonie presents both challenges and opportunities. While it may boost short-term returns for those holding non-Canadian assets, it also raises concerns about inflation and foreign investment. The currency's trajectory will largely depend on future interest rate decisions, trade relations with the US, and overall economic performance. As Adam Button, chief currency analyst at Forexlive, notes, "Until the U.S. economy stumbles, I don't see a real opportunity for the Canadian dollar to right itself." This statement encapsulates the current sentiment surrounding the loonie's prospects. The coming months will be crucial for the Canadian dollar. Its performance will not only impact investors and businesses but also shape the broader economic landscape of Canada in 2025 and beyond. MENAFN24122024007421016031ID1109028444 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

( MENAFN - Live Mint) Merry Christmas 2024: The auspicious festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is considered the Son of God and Saviour of humanity, as per Christian beliefs, is here. The day is celebrated with huge joy and fervour across the world, where people pray, party, and celebrate the occasion. Here are top Christmas wishes, images, and quotes you can share with your friends and family. May your Christmas sparkle like the star on top of the tree, be as sweet as a candy cane, and as magical as a snowy winter's night. Merry Christmas! This Christmas, may your home be filled with laughter, your heart with love, and your life with blessings that last all year round. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday! Deck the halls with happiness and fill your stockings with dreams come true! May this Christmas be a celebration of love and light for you and your family. Merry Christmas! Let the spirit of Christmas guide your heart to kindness, your mind to peace, and your soul to joy. May you find beauty and blessings in every moment of this magical season. Santa's got his sleigh, the elves are hard at play, and magic fills the air-so it's time to jingle all the way! Wishing you a holly, jolly, merry Christmas! -Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful, by Norman Vincent Peale MENAFN24122024007365015876ID1109028597 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.As word spread about the stall's refusal to cook instant noodles and the price hike, it is alleged that competing canteen stalls felt threatened by the stall's popularity and wide customer base. In a bid to drive away customers, it is reported that these competitors resorted to underhanded tactics, including intimidation and threats towards the stall owner and staff. Fearing for their safety, the stall eventually decided to cease operations, leaving students without access to their favorite dishes.

Drone operators worry that anxiety over mystery sightings will lead to new restrictionsOne of the key factors contributing to the success of Meitu Xiuxiu in the Indonesian market is its integration of multiple advanced AI functions. These AI features leverage cutting-edge technology to offer users a wide range of editing options, from basic enhancements like skin smoothing and blemish removal to more sophisticated effects like background blur and color adjustments. The app's AI-powered tools enable users to achieve professional-looking results with just a few taps, making it accessible to both amateur and experienced photographers.