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magic seaweed ocean city nj ARE you down to the last layer of festive chocs in your tin? Whether it is a tub of Quality Street or Celebrations, there are always a few flavours left. 6 How to transform leftover festive chocolates into quick and easy desserts Credit: Alamy But don’t let them go to waste — transform them into quick and easy desserts instead. FUDGE IT: Is it just us, or are the Bounty and coconut chocs always the last ones standing? Save them and turn them into a coconut fudge treat. Place a pan over a low heat, add a tin of condensed milk, £1, and a teaspoon of vanilla essence, 59p, both Tesco. Heat gently, and just before removing from the hob, stir in your chopped-up chocolate bars. Pour the mixture into a tray, set it in the fridge, then slice it up to serve. PENNY FOR YOUR SAUCE : Turn hard toffee pennies into a silky caramel sauce for desserts. Melt the toffees down gently on the hob with a splash of single cream, £1.20, Asda, stirring until smooth. READ MORE ON CHRISTMAS FESTIVE FUN Single mum slammed for throwing a 'pity party' as she takes Christmas tree down WRAP UP The 8 cancer symptoms you might notice while wrapping Christmas presents revealed Drizzle over puddings like vanilla ice cream or even over mince pies for a decadent treat. YULE LOVE IT: Use your leftover chocolates to jazz up a plain shop-bought or home made chocolate yule log. Chop up any soft-centred Quality Street or Celebrations bars and sprinkle them on top. Add a dusting of icing sugar for a festive touch. BACK TO BASE : If you are making a cheesecake, chocolate mousse, or tart, leftover soft chocolates can elevate your dessert base. Crush some biscuits, mix them with melted butter, and stir in your chopped-up chocs — Snickers and fudge bars work very well for this. Press the mixture into a tart tin, chill, and then fill for an easy no-bake pudding. Most read in Money OFF THE SHELVES Warning to Scots as Tesco, Aldi & Morrisons recall Xmas dinner favourites HOME FROM HOME The Range to open huge new superstore in Glasgow in weeks SKYE'S THE LIMIT Iconic restaurant on stunning Scots Island reveals major expansion plans TOP TOWNS Britain's wealthiest streets revealed - including town loaded with Prem stars HOT CHOCS: Use up those last chocs and turn them into an indulgent hot chocolate drink. Heat milk in a pan, drop in your leftover treats (Maltesers and caramel chocolates are perfect), and whisk until smooth. I'm a college student and make an extra $1,200 with my Christmas side hustle - it's so much fun and barely takes time Combine with your usual hot chocolate powder for an extra-luxurious hot drink and enjoy. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day 6 Kian three-seater sofa was £479 and it’s now been reduced to £399 at dfs.co.uk Credit: Supplied CHECK out the winter sale at DFS. The Kian three-seater sofa was £479 and it’s now been reduced to £399 at dfs.co.uk. SAVE : £80 Sweet stuff 6 Swizzels Sweet Treats, previously £5.50, now £2.75 at Iceland Credit: Supplied SWAP chocs for a different sugar hit at Iceland. Find a tub of Swizzels Sweet Treats, previously £5.50, now £2.75. SAVE : £2.75 What's new? GET clicking! The Matalan sale is kicking off early at midday today at Matalan.co.uk and then will be in store on Boxing Day. Top swap 6 Victoria Beckham Portofino ’97 EDP 100ml is £245 at victoriabeckhambeauty.com Credit: Supplied 6 Lacura Classic Italia EDP 100ml is just £9.99 at Aldi Credit: Supplied PICKING up food at Aldi today? Don’t skip the beauty aisle! The Victoria Beckham Portofino ’97 EDP 100ml is £245 at victoriabeckhambeauty.com, but the Lacura Classic Italia EDP 100ml is just £9.99 at Aldi. SAVE : £235.01 Little helper CHECK out the stocking fillers at Home Bargains. The Firetrap Luxury Pour Homme Collection features three 30ml dupes of famous fragrances, and it has been reduced to £4.99. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 6 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Read more on the Scottish Sun DECEMBRRR Scots blasted with snowfall days before Christmas as storms cause transport chaos FLOOR PHILLER Rangers boss Philippe Clement spotted dancing in popular Glasgow bar Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!AP News Summary at 2:17 p.m. EST

BROOKLYN, N.Y. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This New Year's Eve, elevate your celebrations with the world's most luxurious cookie cake: The Dank Decadence Cookie Cake , by Laced Bakes , the innovative infusion bakery redefining indulgence. Designed for the adventurous palate, this decadent treat pairs rich chocolate flavors with customizable terpenes, offering a curated experience to elevate your mood, focus, or relaxation. Available in 250mg ($145) , 500mg ($275) , and 1000mg ($550) doses, the Dank Decadence Cookie Cake is crafted for enthusiasts who demand both flavor and function. Unlike overpriced and underwhelming competitors, this cookie cake doesn't just sit pretty—it delivers tangible effects tailored to you. Customize Your Experience: Sativa (Limonene): Uplifting and energizing for creativity and focus. Hybrid (Pinene): Balanced clarity for smooth energy. Indica (Myrcene): Relaxing and stress-relieving. Hybrid (Beta-Caryophyllene): Eases discomfort while calming. Indica (Linalool): Soothing tranquility for unwinding. "Why settle for empty luxury when you can have indulgence that actually does something?" says Crystal Grant , founder of Laced Bakes. "We wanted to create a cookie that doesn't just taste amazing but elevates your entire experience—whether it's a party or a quiet night in." Pre-Order Now: Pick up your Dank Decadence Cookie Cake on December 30th and 31st to kickstart your New Year's celebration on the perfect high note. Quantities are limited—don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind treat. Coming Soon: Stay tuned for the grand opening of Laced Bakes' members-only lounge in Brooklyn , offering exclusive events, infused menu items, and a community space for food and cannabis enthusiasts alike. For more details, visit www.lacedbakes.com or follow us on social media: Instagram: @laced.bakes | TikTok: @lacedbakes | Facebook: Laced Bakes | X: @lacedbakes | Discord: @lacedbakes Elevate your indulgence with Laced Bakes. Contact: Crystal Grant , Founder of Laced Bakes, press@lacedbakes.com Location : 1096 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221 Website : www.LacedBakes.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laced-bakes-launches-the-dank-decadence-cookie-cake-the-ultimate-luxury-treat-that-delivers-302339021.html SOURCE Laced BakesNoneLima Towers expecting major renovations in 2025

Oklahoma Gov. Stitt fires member of cabinet over court appearanceAs he prepares to step down from Congress after a political career that spanned five decades, Democratic U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer is ever more certain he made the right choice. The 76-year-old Portlander, known in his home state and in Washington, D.C., for his uniform of a bow tie and brightly-colored bike pin and focus on livability issues, has never been a particularly flashy or famous politician. He acknowledged that in his final floor speech earlier this month, highlighting the new bike lanes and a visa program he worked on as he urged new members of Congress to find ways to work together. “My goal as a member of Congress was to leave this place a little better than I found it, and I’m proud of what we have done,” he said. “They’re things that you’re not going to see on Fox or MSNBC news. It’s not going to rocket around the internet. But they’re simple, common-sense efforts to bring people together to solve problems.” Blumenauer has been the dean and oldest member of Oregon’s congressional delegation since former Rep. Peter DeFazio retired in 2023. He told the Capital Chronicle he “just sort of fell into politics:” When he was a junior studying political science at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, he had the chance to lead Oregon’s effort to lower the voting age to 19. That campaign didn’t succeed, but a year later states ratified the 26th Amendment, lowering the voting age nationwide to 18. And it gave Blumenauer the opportunity to meet people all over Oregon and testify before a U.S. Senate committee for the first time. “I had a lot of fun,” he said. “I felt like we were doing something that was important, and it just kind of led from there to service in the Legislature, and I’ve been doing it ever since. It wasn’t a plan.” He won his first election, to represent Portland in the Legislature, at age 24 in 1972. He stayed in the Legislature until 1979, spent 1979-86 on the Multnomah County Commission and served on the Portland City Council from 1987 to 1996, when he ran for Congress. During his decades in politics, Blumenauer only lost two elections: a 1981 run for the Portland City Council and a 1992 campaign for mayor of Portland. When he announced his decision to step down last year, Blumenauer said he was certain Democrats would regain control of the House and that knowing he could serve as chairman of a subcommittee of the budget-writing Ways & Means Committee made it harder to leave. But Democrats didn’t win — Republicans will start 2025 with a five-seat majority in the U.S. House, a three-seat majority in the Senate and former President Donald Trump back in the White House. “They forgot to get reelected,” Blumenauer quipped when asked what changed between 2023 and 2024. He added that “collective amnesia” about Trump’s first term helped Republicans win. “People don’t remember how bad he left the country when he was no longer president,” Blumenauer said. “They forget how high the unemployment rate was, the inflation rate, the problems that we had. More people died with the pandemic because of inept action. People have forgotten all about that.” He stands by his July decision to call on President Joe Biden to step aside, though he also said Biden was the most effective president during Blumenauer’s years in Washington. Biden simply didn’t have the time or energy to do everything he needed to do as president and campaign, Blumenauer said. “I think it’s important in politics to know when it’s time to move on,” Blumenauer said. “I felt that last October, that I’d done what I could do, and that I could actually be more productive leaving Congress, and I feel very good about that decision. I think it was important for President Biden to step aside because there’s so much that needs to be done.” With the exception of Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Democratic Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, who will replace Blumenauer as dean of Oregon’s congressional delegation, none of Oregon’s congressional representatives have experience with a Trump presidency. Rep. Cliff Bentz, the only remaining Republican in the delegation, was elected in 2020; Democrats Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas in 2022 and Democrats Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter — the former state representative who will replace Blumenauer — in November. Blumenauer said he’s advising his Oregon colleagues and others to focus on issues where they can find bipartisan support. “I’ve had success with Republican administrations and Republicans in Congress when we were in the minority by focusing on things that matter,” he said. “What we’ve done in terms of transportation, health care, working on our initiatives with animal welfare, rebuilding and renewing America, these are things that are not intensely partisan. They bring people together rather than divide them.” But he also doesn’t regret leaving Congress, which he said has become increasingly partisan and dysfunctional. In his telling, things started changing for the worse shortly before he arrived in D.C., with Republican Newt Gingrich’s 1995 ascension to House speaker. Gingrich cut the congressional workweek from five days to three, sending lawmakers home to fundraise and campaign in their districts instead of fraternizing with colleagues, and he encouraged Republicans to stop being “nice.” Social media made that trend worse, Blumenauer said, leading to representatives like Republicans Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz focusing solely on getting attention. The more outrageous their behavior, the more they’re rewarded with campaign contributions and political support in lopsided districts, he said. “That is a fundamental difference in terms of how much social media and weaponizing the process has come to dominate,” he said. “A number of these people have nobody on their staff that works on policy. It’s all about public relations and politics, and I think that’s sad.” Blumenauer has spent his last few weeks in office wrapping up projects, writing exit memos and finding other members of Congress to continue advocating for his issues. He’s pushing to accelerate dispersing federal funds for infrastructure, including Portland’s 82nd Avenue transit project, and finding lawmakers to champion funding for public broadcasting and efforts to make banking available for marijuana-related businesses. He said he’s looking forward to no longer spending 14 hours each week on airplanes or in airports and to shifting his focus to a new faculty job at Portland State University’s Institute for Metropolitan Studies. “We’ve taken our projects and handed them off to other people, and every time I turn around, there’s another group that’s giving me a lifetime achievement award,” Blumenauer said. “Having made the decision last October that it just wasn’t worth it to spend two more years of my life to try and be elected to a dysfunctional Congress — and it just got weirder — I couldn’t feel better about the decision.”

A construction executive involved in illegal contributions to New York City Mayor Eric Adams' campaign is poised to plead guilty, according to court documents revealed on Monday. As the Democrat prepares for a pivotal April trial amidst his re-election bid, the development could impact the legal proceedings significantly. Erden Arkan, under federal scrutiny for orchestrating 'straw' donations to Adams' 2021 campaign, has signaled his intent to admit conspiracy to commit wire fraud. This plea could strengthen the prosecution's case set to commence on April 21. Despite repeated requests, representatives for Adams and Arkan declined to comment. Earlier, Adams pleaded not guilty to charges linked to high-value gifts from Turkish officials, aimed at influencing city decisions. As former President-elect Donald Trump suggests a potential pardon post-inauguration, the political ramifications of this case continue to unfold. (With inputs from agencies.)

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Tackling stress to unlock employee potential LAHORE: Entrepreneurs often prefer hiring individuals from affluent backgrounds due to their better access to early education and extracurricular opportunities, which equip them to navigate professional settings more effectively. In contrast, individuals from poorer backgrounds are frequently overlooked because they may initially lack exposure to formal work environments. However, the performance of employees with similar qualifications can be shaped by multiple factors, including their socioeconomic background, which can be mitigated through proper training and support. Employees from affluent backgrounds may have had access to advanced tools and technologies during their education, enabling them to excel in certain tasks. Meanwhile, employees from disadvantaged backgrounds, though lacking similar resources, often demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness that can make them equally or even more effective in their roles. Economic insecurity among employees from poorer backgrounds may impact their mental well-being and, consequently, their productivity. Yet, this insecurity can also serve as a motivator, pushing them to work harder to achieve job stability. For employees from less privileged circumstances, a job often represents a critical path to upward mobility, fostering high levels of motivation. In contrast, affluent employees may exhibit varying degrees of drive depending on their personal motivations and circumstances. Social networks and family support often give employees from wealthier families an advantage in managing work-life balance and workplace challenges. On the other hand, employees from less privileged families frequently shoulder additional responsibilities, such as financial support for their households, which can affect their focus and energy. Organisations can minimise these disparities by fostering inclusive workplace environments. Key measures include: providing training programs to level the playing field; offering mentorship to employees from disadvantaged backgrounds; ensuring equitable workplace policies that address stressors affecting economically disadvantaged employees; and promoting an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences. Research consistently shows that, with adequate support and training, employees from poorer backgrounds can perform just as well as their affluent counterparts. Moreover, their unique life experiences often enhance their problem-solving abilities and resilience, traits that affluent employees may lack. Scientific studies in behavioural economics, psychology and neuroscience reveal that differences in decision-making between individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds are often linked to circumstantial stress rather than inherent differences in brain structure. Poverty imposes a heavy cognitive load due to constant concerns about basic needs such as food, shelter and healthcare. This ‘tunnelling effect’ compels individuals to focus on immediate challenges, sometimes at the expense of long-term planning or better decision-making. Entrepreneurs seeking to boost productivity and performance -- particularly among employees from economically disadvantaged backgrounds -- should prioritise reducing stress and ensuring peace of mind. Key strategies include: offering fair, liveable wages to alleviate financial insecurity; providing health insurance, counselling, and stress management programmes to support mental health; creating clear career paths to enhance job security; and implementing flexible work arrangements and childcare support to accommodate personal challenges. A positive work culture where employees feel valued can significantly mitigate the psychological toll of financial or personal struggles. Entrepreneurs should recognise that stress is not merely an individual issue but an organizational challenge. High-stress environments, whether due to economic insecurity or toxic work cultures, lead to reduced productivity, higher turnover and increased absenteeism. Ensuring employees’ peace of mind is not just an ethical imperative; it is also a sound business strategy. Workers who feel secure and supported are more likely to be innovative, collaborative and productive.

Tribune News Network DOHA: The State of Qatar's priority is humanitarian in dealing with the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic at the present time, and providing everything necessary to ensure continued stability there, saidAdvisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Al Ansari said, during the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday, that the air bridge operated by the State of Qatar to provide relief to the Syrian brothers will continue as long as it is needed, noting the arrival of the fifth plane of the Qatari Armed Forces to Rafic Hariri Airport in Beirut onMonday, carrying more than 33 tonnes of aid, including medical supplies, food and shelter supplies provided by the Qatar Development Fund to Syria. That brought the total aid provided to the Syrians so far to 144 tonnes. He renewed the State of Qatar's call for the necessity of working to lift international sanctions on Syria as soon as possible, so that they do not become a barrier to the entry of aid in all its forms, so that the Qatari air bridge extends to airports inside Syrian territory, which facilitates the arrival of this aid. He added that the Qatari position is clear regarding lifting the sanctions on Syria, especially since the reasons leading to them, represented by the previous regime, have disappeared, which means that the reasons leading to these sanctions no longer exist today, and it has become imperative for the international community to work quickly to lift these sanctions. He explained that within the framework of the visit made by the Qatari delegation headed by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifito the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Mondayon board the first Qatar Airways flight to Damascus International Airport, the most prominent needs there were discussed, and how the State of Qatar can contribute to meeting these needs directly was discussed, stressing that Qatar will spare no effort in providing the necessary support to the Syrians. The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the technical team that accompanied the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Damascus aimed to identify the technical needs of the airport and discuss how to play a positive Qatari role in this regard, to ensure the rapid re-operation of the airport as an international airport, especially since it was subjected to very long periods of neglect, in addition to being bombed by the Israeli occupation. Al Ansari pointed out that the symbolic message associated with the landing of the Qatar Airways plane at Damascus International Airport reflects the State of Qatar’s full commitment to doing everything necessary to ensure the airport’s re-operation and the resumption of flights to the Syrian Arab Republic, explaining that flights will quickly return to the airport when the technical requirements for that are available. Al Ansari confirmed that the needs in the Syrian Arab Republic are being studied, and that the aid will be announced, explaining that some of it is related to the short and urgent term, and some of it is related to the strategic term. Al Ansari added: "The priority is for urgent humanitarian needs to ensure the success of the transitional phase and its passage without any complications, especially on the humanitarian side, and then work to ensure Syria's return to the Arab nation, and to see it as we have always aspired." He pointed out that the Syrian opposition embassy in the State of Qatar is the first of the new Syrian embassies, considering that this reflects the position of the State of Qatar, which has not changed since the first day of the Syrian crisis, and supports the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people by all available means. In this context, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the resumption of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Syrian Arab Republic on December 17, and the appointment of HE Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as Chargé d'Affaires there. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the resumption of the embassy's work comes after about 13 years of severing all diplomatic relations with the Syrian regime in 2011, as an expression of the State of Qatar's principled stand with the Syrian people's revolution and its steadfast support for their demands for a decent life, freedom and social justice, and as an affirmation of the State of Qatar's categorical rejection of all the regime's oppressive policies against the brotherly Syrian people. Al Ansari added that the ministry indicated that the resumption of the embassy’s work in conjunction with the victory of the Syrian people’s revolution reflects the continued firm and supportive position of the State of Qatar towards the Syrian people and their struggle to obtain their legitimate rights to a decent life, and enhances its relief efforts that began with an air bridge to help the Syrian people overcome the requirements of the transitional phase, noting the raising of the Qatari flag on December 21 in Damascus for the first time in 13 years. During the weekly media briefing, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the meeting of HE Dr Al Khulaifi with HE Ahmed Al-Shara, Commander-in-Chief of the new administration in the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, within the framework of the visit made by the Qatari delegation to Damascus on Monday. During the meeting, they reviewed the close relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, and consulted on the future of Syria and the prospects of the State of Qatar’s continued support for the brotherly Syrian people in all fields. He pointed out that the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed, during the meeting, the continued firm support of the State of Qatar for the Syrian brothers to build a state of institutions that is governed by justice, freedom, development and peace, and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people, noting that the position of the State of Qatar was and still is firm and has not changed towards supporting the revolution of the brothers in Syria, and stressing that the upcoming decisions concern the Syrian people alone and should not be subject to guardianship from anyone and they are the master of their decision, and ensuring the unity of Syria and working on a peaceful transfer of power through a political process that includes all spectrums of the Syrian people. On the other hand, Al Ansari said during the weekly media briefing that it is too early to talk about investing in Syria at the present time, noting that the focus is now on providing everything necessary to support our Syrian brothers, especially in areas such as energy, the humanitarian aspect and infrastructure. Within the framework of ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Al Ansari noted the phone call made by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on December 17 with HE Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy to Syria, where they discussed the latest developments in Syria, the position of the State of Qatar towards the ongoing developments in Syria and the need to support the transitional process in a way that preserves Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and the aspirations of its brotherly people. Al Ansari added, that the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out, during the call, the importance of concerted international efforts, including the efforts of the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability and prosperity. The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the meeting of Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad,on December 20, with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Special Coordinator of the German Foreign Ministry in Syria HE Tobias Lindner, where they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, and discussed the latest developments in the region, especially in Syria. Regarding the Israeli practices regarding the expansion of settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Al Ansari explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in which it affirmed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation government’s approval of a plan to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry also stressed, in its statement, the need for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to stop its attacks on Syrian territory, comply with international legitimacy resolutions, and show solidarity to confront its opportunistic plans. On the other hand, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, chaired, on December 17, the State of Qatar’s delegation participating in the meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via videoconferencing. He pointed out that the minister stressed, in his speech during the meeting, the State of Qatar's commitment to working to achieve the goals of the SICA conference and build a more secure and prosperous future for the peoples of the Asian continent, where he said: "Our Asian continent is going through a historical turning point characterized by complex challenges and crises, whether on the security, economic or social levels. However, we believe that the Asian continent, with its enormous natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potential." He added that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs pointed out that enhancing joint action and intensifying efforts to promote regional cooperation that achieves the aspirations of our peoples towards stability and prosperity is the demand of the peoples of this continent, stressing the State of Qatar's keenness to contribute to maintaining peace and security in the region and in the Asian continent, by presenting initiatives and undertaking mediations to reduce the severity of differences and tensions in order to achieve stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as a basic means to resolve all disputes between countries. Regarding the negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Al Ansari said: “The negotiations are still ongoing, as there are ongoing negotiations at the technical and technological level in Doha, and there are other tracks and contexts taking place in Cairo, and coordination is ongoing with our brothers in the Arab Republic of Egypt in this regard,” adding that no one can predict a specific time frame for reaching an agreement there. Al Ansari stressed that the situation in the Gaza Strip has not improved at all, and that the humanitarian crisis is getting worse, saying: “We reiterate our call to all parties to deal with the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation with complete seriousness, and without any measures that may hinder the success of these negotiations.” The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the State of Qatar's welcome of the UN General Assembly's adoption of a resolution to refer the ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to the International Court of Justice, and considered that the adoption of the resolution by a majority of 137 votes reflects the broad international rejection of the decisions of the Israeli occupation authorities to ban UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. He pointed out that the State of Qatar warned that banning UNRWA activities would lead to serious humanitarian and political consequences, especially depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria of its essential services, in addition to liquidating the Palestinian refugee issue and their right to return to their areas and homes. In a separate context, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Qatari-Iranian relations are stable and solid, as the two sides share work on some gas projects in the region, saying in this regard: “We are proud of our bilateral relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and our discussions are ongoing about events in the region.” Regarding the State of Qatar's relations with Russia, Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar's relationship with the Russian Federation is ongoing and positive, pointing out the Qatari side's involvement in another mediation between Russia and Ukraine in the framework of reuniting children affected by the war there with their families. On the Lebanese level, Al Ansari referred to the meeting of Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, on December 16, with General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Army, with HE Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Parliament, and with HE Najib Mikati, Prime Minister of the Caretaker Government. He explained that these meetings reviewed the cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, stressing His Excellency the great importance of the role of the Lebanese army in enhancing security and stability in Lebanon, and in preserving the sovereignty of the state and the unity of its territories in light of the increasing security and political challenges, and emphasizing the State of Qatar's firm position towards the Lebanese Republic, its unity and territorial integrity, and its continuous support for its brotherly people. Copy 24/12/2024 10

Louisiana agreed to terms on a new five-year deal with Ragin' Cajuns football coach Michael Desormeaux, ESPN reported Monday. The contract keeps Desormeaux, 39, in Lafayette through the 2029 season. Financial terms were not reported. Desormeaux was named the Sun Belt Coach of the Year this season and guided the Ragin' Cajuns (10-3, 7-1) to the conference title game. Louisiana will face TCU (8-4) in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday in Albuquerque. Desormeaux is 23-17 as the head coach at his alma mater since taking over as the interim coach for the New Orleans Bowl to conclude the 2021 season. He replaced Billy Napier, who left Louisiana to take over as head coach at Florida. --Field Level MediaRachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

NoneSet to host the Ravens on Christmas Day, the Houston Texans claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday after Baltimore waived him last week. Thin at receiver behind star Nico Collins due to season-ending injuries to Stefon Diggs (torn ACL) and Tank Dell (torn ACL, dislocated kneecap), the Texans are hoping Johnson, 28, can provide depth at the position alongside Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III. With the Ravens, Johnson reeled in just one catch for 6 yards and received a one-game suspension for what the team said was refusing to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 1. Baltimore waived him on Friday. An unrestricted free agent after this season, Johnson is joining his fourth team this calendar year after he was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to Carolina in March and then moved from the Panthers to the Ravens in October. A third-round draft pick in 2019, Johnson had 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games (all starts) for the Panthers earlier this season. In six career seasons, the 2021 Pro Bowl selection has 422 receptions for 4,726 yards and 28 TDs for the Steelers (2019-23), Panthers and Ravens. --Field Level Media