cockfighting usa With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure looking increasingly tenuous, it can be assumed that people eyeing the top role in the Liberal Party are considering running for leadership. Will the future party leader come from within the cadre of ministers who have served for years under Trudeau? Or will it be someone outside the current caucus who may take the party in a new direction? Freeland said in her letter that she intends to run in the next election, unlike Housing Minister Sean Fraser, who has said he is resigning from cabinet and isn’t planning to run again. “My goal is to get re-elected in the next election, and to be representing Ahuntsic-Cartierville (Que.), and I think that is a prerequisite to any other political engagement,” she said. Joly became foreign affairs minister in the fall of 2021 and was tasked with rebuilding ties with Beijing after Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were freed from arbitrary detention in China as part of the Huawei-Meng Wanzhou affair. Joly has had to handle other thorny files, such as the rift with India this year. Following the Israel-Hamas war, she has also overseen Canada changing its traditional stance of backing Israel at the United Nations. Other cabinet ministers who could be potential leadership contenders include LeBlanc, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Transport Minister Anita Anand. LeBlanc briefly considered running for the leadership of the party in 2008 before dropping out and endorsing Michael Ignatieff. Trudeau relied on LeBlanc to help stave off the threat of U.S. tariffs by preparing a border plan, and also elevated him to oversee Canada’s finances after Freeland resigned. However, LeBlanc could be seen by Trudeau detractors as being too close to the prime minister. The two have been friends for decades. Anand, meanwhile, seemed to distance herself from Trudeau when she first commented on Freeland’s resignation. “I'll just say that Chrystia Freeland is a good friend, someone I worked with very, very closely as president of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport,” she said on Dec. 16. “This news has hit me really hard.” The minister is usually talkative when speaking with reporters, but he kept it brief when asked about Freeland’s resignation and whether he has confidence in Trudeau. Trudeau, Freeland, and Carney share the same worldview on a host of issues. Carney told Erskine-Smith he supports the Liberal Party because it has the “right combination of a social conscience and social priorities at its core.” One former provincial leader could also be a contender in a Liberal leadership contest. Clark served as B.C. premier from 2011 to 2017. She won re-election in May 2017 with a minority government, but resigned that summer as leader of the B.C. Liberal party as well as a member of the B.C. legislature. Her resignation came after her government was defeated in a confidence vote following an alliance between the B.C. NDP and Green Party. If Trudeau chooses to step down, the Liberal caucus could elect an interim leader while the party runs a leadership contest. The prime minister could also ask the Governor General to prorogue Parliament during the leadership race.B.C. fans broke Canadian data use record at last Taylor Swift Eras Tour show

Winners of 3 straight, UTEP takes aim at short-handed Louisville

Advisors Asset Management Inc. reduced its position in AerSale Co. ( NASDAQ:ASLE – Free Report ) by 43.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 24,097 shares of the company’s stock after selling 18,637 shares during the period. Advisors Asset Management Inc.’s holdings in AerSale were worth $122,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. nVerses Capital LLC raised its stake in AerSale by 75.0% in the third quarter. nVerses Capital LLC now owns 4,900 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 2,100 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new stake in AerSale in the 3rd quarter valued at $59,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its holdings in AerSale by 33.6% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 14,027 shares of the company’s stock valued at $97,000 after purchasing an additional 3,531 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in AerSale during the 2nd quarter valued at $107,000. Finally, American International Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of AerSale by 30.5% in the first quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 16,605 shares of the company’s stock valued at $119,000 after purchasing an additional 3,878 shares during the last quarter. 69.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of AerSale from $10.00 to $8.00 and set a “sector perform” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on shares of AerSale from $13.00 to $11.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Truist Financial decreased their target price on AerSale from $10.00 to $8.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 18th. Insider Buying and Selling at AerSale In other AerSale news, insider Nicolas Finazzo purchased 20,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 13th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $5.36 per share, for a total transaction of $107,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 37,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $198,320. This represents a 117.65 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link . Insiders own 37.30% of the company’s stock. AerSale Stock Performance ASLE stock opened at $6.30 on Friday. AerSale Co. has a 52 week low of $4.53 and a 52 week high of $16.69. The company has a market capitalization of $335.22 million, a PE ratio of 630.63 and a beta of 0.22. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $5.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.04. AerSale Profile ( Free Report ) AerSale Corporation provides aftermarket commercial aircraft, engines, and its parts to passenger and cargo airlines, leasing companies, original equipment manufacturers, and government and defense contractors, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service providers worldwide. It operates in two segments, Asset Management Solutions and Technical Operations (TechOps). See Also Five stocks we like better than AerSale Technology Stocks Explained: Here’s What to Know About Tech The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing Most active stocks: Dollar volume vs share volume 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 How to Calculate Retirement Income: MarketBeat’s Calculator FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ASLE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AerSale Co. ( NASDAQ:ASLE – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for AerSale Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AerSale and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Percentages: FG .438, FT .857. 3-Point Goals: 4-18, .222 (Kinziger 3-6, Wolf 1-3, Banks 0-1, Pence 0-1, Walker 0-1, Boser 0-2, Daugherty 0-2, Poindexter 0-2). Team Rebounds: 1. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 1 (Barnes). Turnovers: 10 (Kinziger 4, Walker 3, Boser 2, Banks). Steals: 6 (Banks 2, Walker 2, Kinziger, Pence). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .380, FT .800. 3-Point Goals: 10-28, .357 (Autry 5-7, Drumgoole 2-5, Hansen 1-1, Hutchinson 1-6, Moss 1-6, Jones 0-1, Buchanan 0-2). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: 2. Blocked Shots: 4 (Castro 2, Drumgoole, Hansen). Turnovers: 8 (Buchanan 4, Hutchinson 2, Castro, Moss). Steals: 4 (Castro, Hansen, Hutchinson, Moss). Technical Fouls: None. .Canucks visit the Red Wings after shootout winA new year invariably brings new products, and the motorcycle industry is no exception. With 2024 coming to a close, it's time to take stock of what our favorite motorcycle brands are bringing to the table for 2025 — and this time, it's Yamaha's turn. The long-running Japanese manufacturer has been building bikes since the 1940s , and it has a healthy range of two-wheeled offerings, from entry-level naked and sports bikes all the way to ultra-high-performance flagship products like the legendary Yamaha YZF-R1 . While not every one of these bikes is getting the update treatment for 2025, the company has outlined six motorcycles getting big changes. There's also a brand-new sports bike in the mix that sits between the YZF-R1 and R7, which should be great news for those who've been yearning for something spicier than the latter, without the cost of the former. A quick word before we begin: this list focuses solely on the products Yamaha is updating or introducing for 2025. This doesn't mean that they're the only bikes Yamaha will sell in 2025; many models are returning for 2025 without any major changes, so they're not going to be on this list. With that little caveat out of the way, though, let's get started. We start our look at Yamaha's 2025 bikes with the company's update of the MT-03, its entry-level — and very affordable — naked motorcycle. First debuting in 2006 as a 660cc bike, the MT-03 as we know it today is essentially a reskinned Yamaha YZF-R3, with the 2016 model repackaging the R3's 321cc parallel-twin engine and frame in the form of a naked bike. Yamaha updated the MT-03 for 2020, retaining the powertrain but adding a new suspension setup — including a preload-adjustable shock at the rear — and larger brakes, as well as an LCD instrument cluster. Reviewers at the time loved the updated bike, and Yamaha has cleverly opted not to change too much with the 2025 MT-03, leaving most of the upgrades it introduced in 2020 in place. So the suspension and braking setup is the same as it's been for the past four years, as is the engine. Instead, Yamaha has tried to make the MT-03 even more beginner-friendly, improving the ergonomics with a slimmer rider's seat to help riders reach the ground more easily, as well as a wider passenger seat. An Assist & Slipper clutch also comes to the MT-03, smoothing out downshifts and making the clutch lever easier to pull. Other updates include a redesigned tail and new smartphone connectivity, which allows the updated LCD instrument cluster — with a USB port — to display incoming calls, emails, and message notifications. The 2025 Yamaha MT-03's MSRP stays at $4,999. Those of you who prefer sports bike styling will be pleased to know that Yamaha is also updating its beginner-friendly YZF offering , the YZF-R3, for 2025. The new YZF-R3 retains the 321cc engine that has powered it — and the MT-03 — since its 2015 debut, with Yamaha also opting to keep the suspension and tire upgrades it introduced in 2019 for 2025. Like the MT-03, then, the 2025 YZF-R3's updates focus more on the rider experience, with the company seemingly looking to make the R3 even more accessible than it has been before. To that end, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a narrower seat and less obtrusive side covers, to allow riders to reach the ground more comfortably. An Assist & Slipper clutch also comes standard for 2025, with its assist and slipper cams making for more controlled downshifts and a lighter clutch lever. As with the MT-03, the YZF-R3 has updated smartphone functionality via Yamaha's Y-Connect app, which lets the new 5-inch LCD show notifications and useful info like distance covered, current location, and fuel consumption. All of these new features come wrapped in a revised exterior that draws inspiration from Yamaha's MotoGP bike. You get a new front, side panels, and tail section, with LED lights all across the board. You can expect to pay $5,499 for the 2025 YZF-R3, the same as the 2024 model. The MT-03 isn't the only updated bike in Yamaha's MT family for 2025. Launching in the U.S. as the FZ-07, Yamaha's 689cc naked bike adopted the MT-07 moniker for the American market in 2018. The motorcycle got more than just a new name, though, with new bodywork and an upgraded suspension — with new spring rates and adjustable rebound in the rear — addressing a common criticism of the MT-07's first iteration. In 2025, Yamaha is once again turning its attention to the MT-07, bringing significant aesthetic and functional upgrades. The 689cc motorbike is getting a much more thorough redesign than the MT-03, with a new headlight unit aligning its look with the next model up in the range, the 890cc MT-09. The tank is also getting slimmer, and the tail section and seat assembly are getting adjustments for improved ergonomics. Mechanical updates include a new KYB suspension, with a 41-millimeter front fork and monocross rear shock for more aggressive ride and handling. We also get new front brakes, lighter SpinForged wheels, and an Assist & Slipper clutch for smoother downshifts. Yamaha is also introducing its Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which provides better power delivery and enables Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) rider aids, including traction control and differing throttle responses. Finally, Yamaha rounds off the package with a new 5-inch, full-color TFT and smartphone connectivity — including navigation app support. Unlike the MT-03, the MT-07's MSRP climbs slightly for 2025, with the updated version starting at $8,599. First introduced in 2016, Yamaha's neo-retro XSR900 is stepping into the future in 2025. Yamaha is bringing an injection of fresh technology without losing the retro charm of what Cycle World hailed as the "best middleweight streetbike" back in 2016. The XSR900 was never a truly retro bike, mind you: The looks may be old-school, but the Yamaha MT-09-derived three-cylinder 890cc powertrain was always thoroughly modern, with traction control and multiple power delivery profiles on hand, as you would find in many modern bikes. And for 2025, Yamaha is leaning into this retro-modern hybridity even more. The XSR900 is getting a 5-inch TFT display — with an emulated analog tachometer exclusive to the XSR900 — and smartphone connectivity, YRC ride modes — sport, street, and rain, plus two user-customizable modes — and a Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL) to let riders set a maximum speed. Other updates for 2025 include the Back Slip Regulator (BSR), which helps in low-grip situations by limiting how much torque the engine sends to the rear wheel during engine braking. The 2025 XSR900 also gets Yamaha's third-generation quick-shifter for clutchless up- and downshifts, a customizable KYB rear suspension, and rejigged ergonomics — including 14 positions for the clutch lever, a new seat design, and reshaped handlebars. The 2025 Yamaha XSR900 starts at $10,599, a slight increase from the $10,299 of the 2024 model. Yamaha's 2025 refreshes aren't limited to its road bikes. The Ténéré 700 is getting a full refresh for 2025 too, bringing a host of new features and changes to the Japanese manufacturer's adventure bike. First introduced in 2019, the Ténéré 700 is a much-loved adventure bike capable of on- and off-road action. 2025 sees Yamaha's biggest update thus far, following some smaller updates in the years prior — including the first introduction of the TFT display and adjustable ABS settings in 2023. That TFT display is one of the big upgrades for 2025, with the new model now sporting a 6.3-inch screen to complement enhanced smartphone connectivity, with the Ténéré 700 allowing riders to make and receive phone calls, use Google Maps, and listen to music. The 2025 Ténéré 700 also gets Yamaha's YCC-T ride-by-wire system, allowing two user-selectable throttle maps and a traction control system. Yamaha's also specced a new KYB suspension, with a 43-millimeter adjustable front fork and linked-type monocross rear shock now standard. Power also sees a boost, with a new air intake allegedly improving torque at lower revs. Finally, the 2025 Ténéré 700 gets new bodywork and improved ergonomics, with the result being an adventure bike that should stay competitive against all the Ténéré 700 alternatives out there. Yamaha has increased the Ténéré 700's MSRP to $10,999 for 2025. And now we come to the only all-new motorcycle coming to Yamaha's lineup for 2025, the Yamaha YZF-R9 . As the name suggests, the YZF-R9 is part of Yamaha's YZF family of performance motorcycles , aiming to offer high-end performance in a more accessible and inviting package than Yamaha's more hardcore sport bikes. That doesn't mean the R9 is a slouch — far from it. The YZF-R9 sports Yamaha's three-cylinder, 890cc CP3 engine as seen in the XSR900 and MT-09, but with tweaked ECU settings and taller gearing allowing for a wider torque curve and total power output of 117 hp. Encasing this three-cylinder engine is a lightweight Deltabox aluminum chassis that Yamaha claims is the lightest ever seen on a Yamaha sports bike. Fully adjustable KYB suspension connects the frame to the wheels, which sport Brembo Stylema brakes and toggleable rear-wheel ABS for hardcore track days. Yamaha's high-tech YZF-R1 tech trickles down to the new kid in the form of a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which provides info to the YZF-R9's selection of rider aids — a nine-mode traction control system, three-mode slide and lift control systems, and braking assist. As with most of Yamaha's updated 2025 models, the YZF-R9 displays all essential information on a 5-inch TFT screen with five themes, including a dedicated track mode. Smartphone connectivity via the Yamaha Y-Connect app is also available, as is navigation via Garmin's StreetCross. The Yamaha YZF-R9 will set you back $12,499. Sitting at the top of Yamaha's 2025 offerings price-wise is the updated Tracer 9, the company's flagship touring bike. First debuting as the MT-09 Tracer in 2015, the motorcycle was last updated in 2021, when it debuted the Tracer 9 name alongside the fully redesigned Yamaha MT-09 on which it's based . But where the MT-09 isn't getting any big updates for 2025, Yamaha has seen fit to bring a bevy of changes to the Tracer 9 to keep it competitive against the other major sport touring bikes . The headline addition to the Tracer 9 for 2025 is Yamaha's YRC, which lets riders adjust engine power and rider aids according to preference. YRC on the Tracer 9 has three preset modes — sport, street, and rain — with two slots for user-customized YRC settings. Yamaha's speed limiter also debuts for 2025, allowing you to set a preferred speed limit. But 2025 isn't all about new tech: the Tracer 9 gets a new frame and subframe for better handling and comfort, which, combined with ergonomic improvements like a new handlebar angle and more comfortable seats, should make for even better long-distance riding than before. Yamaha is also introducing a new 7-inch TFT on the Tracer 9, and the extra-large display sports three themes for the rider to choose from. Other modern conveniences include a USB-C port — for charging and powering devices — and a dedicated smartphone box. The 2025 Tracer 9 starts at $12,599.

TEMPLEGATE tackles Wednesday's racing hungry for winners. Read on for his selections. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure. Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get... Become a member today for just £1* *For the first month then £3 per month thereafter. SIGN UP NOW 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk CULLIGRAN (3.07 Hereford, nap) Stormed to victory over course and distance last time, hitting the front a fair way out and not seeing a rival. She likes this decent ground and hasn’t been off the podium since going handicapping. This is no tougher than last time so another big run is on the cards. WILD NATURE (5.10 Kempton, nb) Enjoyed moving back up to this mile when going close here 21 days ago. This son of Kingman was bit unlucky not to win after meeting traffic turning for home. William Buick gets back on board today and can steer him to victory. BOYS OF WEXFORD (12.35 Hereford, treble) Tip is best going right-handed so did well to strike at Fontwell last time. He had plenty in hand crossing the line over a similar trip so a 5lb rise in the weights holds no fears. DUKE OF OXFORD (7.40 Kempton, Lucky 15) Got the job done nicely here last time and won this race 12 months ago. His C&D record now reads 1121 and he’ll be hard to beat again. HEXHAM 12.20 Forest Blaze Did well to finish third over too short a trip last time out. 12.50 Fromheretoeternity Consistent and can go well again over ideal C&D. 1.20 Not A Light Been off a long time but this looks a pretty soft race. 1.50 Joecooker Solid third at Carlisle last time and capable of better. 2.20 Reagrove Lord Overdue a win but on fair weight and won’t be far away. 2.50 High Moon Good third last time and drop in trip can do the trick. 3.20 Fearless Action Just nabbed on the line at Carlisle last time out. HEREFORD 12.35 Boys Of Wexford (treble) Lots in hand when winning from 5lb lower at Fontwell. 1.05 Sayva Has won two of past three and has more to offer. 1.35 Secret Des Dieux Won at Fakenham last time with plenty left in the tank. 2.05 Gris Majeur Can figure upped in distance returning to hurdling. 2.35 Lime Drop Game win at Uttoxeter latest and can cope with 5lb rise. 3.07 Culligran (nap) Lots in hand when scoring over course and distance latest. 3.37 Just Golden Expensive buy who can make a winning start for Skeltons. KEMPTON 4.10 Sweet Couture Two decent runs and bit unlucky at Lingfield latest. 4.40 McKenna Finished well on debut and has a lot more to come. 5.10 Wild Nature (nb) Good second here last time and should get off the mark. 5.40 Jenubiyah Bred to be a star and can make a winning debut. 6.10 Exactly Right Cost £420,000 and yard can get them ready at home. 6.40 Ultramarine Goes well here and no luck in running at Chelmsford latest. 7.10 Champagne Prince Has an excellent record on the all-weather. 7.40 Duke Of Oxford Won this last year and excellent victory last time out. 8.10 Time Patrol Went close at Lingfield latest and right in the hunt again. A responsible gambler is someone who: Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Over 8,000 Santas turned up for this year's Santa Dash Santas were out in force in Liverpool last weekend for the iconic annual festive fun run - the 20 th anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash. The city was transformed into a sea of red and blue as thousands of participants don Santa suits on Sunday, December 1, with the spectacle attracting a staggering 8,556 Santas, in the largest number of entries for a decade. Last year’s figure of 6,100 was snowballed with two weeks to go as Santas dashed to sign up. The event is highly regarded as the official kick-start to Christmas in Liverpool – and is believed to be the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run. Santas travelled from across the country to take part, alongside overseas visitors from Denmark, France, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA. Rugby League legend Kevin Sinfield CBE chose the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash to begin his Running Home For Christmas challenge to support MND charities. He was joined by special guests Liverpool FC’s John Barnes, Everton FC’s Peter Reid, and Liverpool FC Women’s Gemma Bonner. Kevin went on to run over 230 miles across seven days in memory of his friend and former team mate Rob Burrow, who passed away from MND (motor neurone disease) in June. This was his fifth annual challenge, having already raised almost £10million for the MND community. After completing the Santa Dash, Kevin ran another 2K before heading to Seacombe, Port Sunlight, Hooton, Ellesmere Port, Chester, and Wrexham – completing the first of 50 kilometres in one day in 7K blocks. The route also covered Gloucester to Bristol, Belfast, Glasgow, Beverley to Hull, Northampton to Leicester, and finally Old Trafford to Saddleworth. The Lord Mayor Of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp, and Lady Mayoress Erica Kemp also supported the event. The Lord Mayor helped to officially start the main Santa Dash, while the Lady Mayoress took part wearing her chains of office accompanied by attendant Robbie Howell. A team of 100 from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service took part, led by Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan. This was the 17 th year being involved after first supporting the event in 2007. The group was made up of firefighters and non-operational staff, supporting the organisation’s ethos of health and wellbeing. The main Santa Dash 5K started at Pier Head Liverpool, with a grandstand finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall featuring stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow. The day also included a Mini Dash 1K for youngsters aged 12 and under, which started in Castle Street and shared the main finish line. The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was first staged in 2004, created by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell. In 2007, the Mini Dash 1K was added to the day. Blue Santa suits were introduced in 2010 due to public demand. It has since established itself as a firm favourite in the city’s events calendar, massively boosting the city’s economy including hospitality venues. The date for next year’s event is confirmed as Sunday 7 December 2025. Entries are open and more than 150 eager Santas have already signed up. Full details can be found here . The Santa Dash entry fee covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, goodie bags, and entertainment. Official charity partner Claire House Children’s Hospice were supported on the day by almost 400 fundraising Santas – including mascot Claire Bear. Claire House smashed their target and have already raised more than £35,000. Santas and spectators also made donations on the day. Donations can still be made here . Rachel Marnell from Walton represented Claire House at the event. Rachel sadly lost her little girl Phoebe in 2021, and she continues to receive support from Claire House. She has taken part in the Santa Dash with family ever since to raise money in memory of ‘Phe’ to give something back to the charity. Official media partner In Demand Radio got into the spirit of the Santa Dash on air and staged a series of social media stunts involving key presenters. Claire Simmo hosted part of her lunchtime show live from the finish line, before hosting after party Santa Dash Bash at Gravity MAX in Liverpool ONE. Partners also included St Johns Shopping Centre, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Arriva North West. The Santa Dash pop-up shop was open seven days a week at St Johns Shopping Centre for suit collections, registrations, and gave out thousands of goodie bags. This was the eighth consecutive year that St Johns have been involved – a large team also took part on the day. Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool became part of the route in 2018 following the demolition of the Churchill Flyover. Dashing through the Dock has become a much-loved part of the day. Arriva North West supported the event for the seventh time with free travel for Santas on the Arriva bus network across Merseyside. Santas could enjoy a bus ride into the city centre on the morning, and then home again post event just by wearing the suit and number, and then medal. Rock Choir Liverpool entertained Santas near the carousel at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, before heading to Water Street to continue singing. They were a real hit last year so BTR were delighted to invite them back. Liverpool drumming band Katumba were back to bang their drums in a big way. They are a real highlight of the day as Santas as they head towards the finish line, before performing the finale to conclude the event. Large groups taking part included ACC Liverpool, Carpenter’s Solicitors, Liverpool ONE, Mowgli, and Wild Thang. BTR Liverpool also wanted to highlight the hard work of volunteers, including North West Air Ambulance, Southport Strollers, and members of the Merseyside running community. Merseyside Army Cadet Force 4 Coy Company have been part of the Santa Dash for the last 15 years, often presenting Santas and Mini Santas with their commemorative finishers’ medals. They represent cadet units in Aigburth , Allerton , Norris Green , and Old Swan. The Santa Dash is accessible and open to everyone. Santas walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair participants, families, friends, or colleagues. There are even Santas in prams, and four-legged furry Santas. From those running purely for fun to groups of fundraisers. The event acts as a platform for community groups, businesses, and charities to fundraise independently while taking part – with hundreds of good causes championed on the day. Santas were also out in force supporting the eight BTR charity partners for the 2024 event portfolio – Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Wirral University Teaching Hospital; and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its portfolio includes the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, BTR Tour Of Merseyside, Port Sunlight Road Race, BTR Women’s 10K Liverpool, and Run For The 97 5K. The next event is the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Mile Road Race on Sunday 23 March 2025 – and sign-ups have already passed 5,000 entries. It is a real highlight in the race calendar, attracting plenty of overseas runners, and last year it sold out two weeks before at 9,000 places. BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented: “The Liverpool Santa Dash is one of the most challenging events we stage, but it’s also the most rewarding. It’s a huge task for a small team, but every Santa has their own reason for taking part and that makes it all worthwhile. It really does put Liverpool on the Christmas map. “A huge thank you to partners who help to make the event so special. These include charity partner Claire House Children’s Hospice and media partner In Demand Radio, they both really threw themselves into the Santa Dash fun. The team at St Johns Shopping Centre always make us feel very welcome at the pop-up shop; free bus travel once again from Arriva North West; and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool for their support with the route. “Santas and spectators were treated to entertainment from Rock Choir Liverpool and Katumba, and we must mention the most special Father Christmas – he was a real hit on the day! We are extremely grateful to our brilliant volunteers from the Merseyside running community, and Merseyside Army Cadet Force who have been helping for 15 years. “It was an amazing day. Those smiles, laughter, high fives, and a real sense of warmth. Only in Liverpool. Three words kept cropping up on the day – atmosphere, incredible, and community. Shall we aim for 10,000 Santas next year, why not?! Come and experience the magic on 7 December 2025 for yourself and be part of the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.”None

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UnitedHealth Stock Sell-Off 'Unjustified' After UnitedHealthcare CEO's Murder

Sarah Di Lorenzo shares how to cook for your family with different dietary requirementsMore than 100,000 state employees will get three extra days off this year after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis decided to give the workers additional time away from the job. The three days—December 23, 24 and 31—come in addition to the normally scheduled holidays on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. "Florida is in great shape, and we want to reward our state employees," DeSantis said in a statement. "After a full year—including three costly hurricanes—we hope these extra days off allow for state workers to spend more time with their families and loved ones during this holiday season." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, called the move by DeSantis a "welcome" change. "The gesture of adding additional paid holidays to the calendar is always a welcome one, and Governor DeSantis' decision to do so is certainly in line with past decisions by governors of other states," Beene told Newsweek. "For states that don't already recognize days like Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve as state holidays, expansion of holidays like this one typically happens when the state budget allows it," he said. HR consultant Bryan Driscoll, however, called DeSantis' move a "cheap political stunt" instead of a gesture of employee support. "He's trying to paper over years of anti-worker policies with a feel-good headline. It's the equivalent of tossing crumbs to workers while gutting unions and stripping away job protections," Driscoll told Newsweek. While state employees are likely to enjoy a few extra days off, the decision doesn't deal with some important issues, he said. "This move does nothing to address the real issues facing workers in Florida, like the lack of paid family leave or protections for low-wage workers," Driscoll said. "It reflects a government more interested in optics than substance, prioritizing political games over real, lasting change for the workforce." When DeSantis ran for the GOP nomination for president, he focused much of his campaign on how efficiently he ran the state's small employee base, even though Florida is the third most populous state. "Florida state government [has the] lowest number of state employees per capita in the country," DeSantis said at a CNN town hall in January. In 2022, Florida had 164,829 employees, including both full- and part-time workers. And while the national average was 198 state government workers per 10,000 residents, Florida had just 82 state employees per 10,000 residents. Florida's financial picture looks good this year, Beene said, and many state employees might have worked longer hours than expected because of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby, which all made landfall in the Sunshine State. "State revenues are strong, some employees worked longer hours than expected due to multiple natural disasters, and Christmas and New Year's falling in the middle of the week make it difficult for employees wanting to spend additional time with their families capable of doing so," he said.

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NoneNEW DELHI: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman , encouraged regional rural banks (RRBs) to bring rural customers onto digital platforms for services such as internet banking, mobile banking and UPI. While addressing a review meeting with eight RRBs from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal held in Patna, on Friday, she highlighted the importance of digital inclusion. In the meeting, Sitharaman emphasized the need for RRBs to prioritize the enrollment of customers for digital services, with a target to complete this by December 2024. She further urged the banks to encourage their customers to embrace digital banking, with support from their sponsor banks. "RRBs to prioritize onboarding customers to digital services like Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, and UPI. RRBs should promote digital adoption with the help of sponsor banks to enhance usage," she said. The FM also reviewed the business performance, digital advancements, and new credit offerings from RRBs, with an emphasis on fostering inclusive growth. She stressed the need to boost credit flow, particularly to sectors linked to agriculture and micro and small industries, to support business expansion. Sitharaman further emphasized on the need to enhance women’s credit flow in a bid to help self help groups and suggested that the state governments and NABARD should work hand in hand to help SHGs evolve into enterprise. She highlighted the potential of the one district one product (ODOP) initiative to enhance self-employment opportunities in the region and instructed financial institutions to offer training and marketing assistance to SHGs. She also emphasized the importance of technology upgrades to enhance efficiency and service delivery within RRBs. Recognizing the improvements in the financial health of these banks, she noted that the consolidated CRAR had risen from 7.8 per cent in FY22 to 9.4 per cent in FY24, while Gross NPAs had decreased from 25 per cent in FY22 to 15 per cent in FY24. "RRBs in Eastern Region have posted consolidated profit of Rs 625 crore during FY 2024 against net loss of Rs. 690 crore in FY 2023," Sitharaman said.NoneSolana Eyes Spot ETF Approval and $1124 Price Target for 2025, ‘SOL Killer’ at $0.10 Hints at 16100% Rally