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fishing tackle shop near me Cybersecurity Certification Market Future Scope, Size, Share, Growing Trends & Demand, Opportunities, Key Segments And Forecast To 2030Train collides with fire truck in Florida; police say 3 firefighters and several passengers hurtGoodbye Santa rally? U.S. stocks fell Friday as investor sentiment turned gloomy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down more than 300 points midmorning, while the Nasdaq Composite Index, which contains more technology-focused stocks, slid almost 2%. “Initially the market was so focused on the positives of the Trump election but I think there’s more uncertainty with tariffs and immigration as we look to next year,” said Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer and chief market strategist for Truist. “You’re seeing some increasing inflation. The 10-year has been creeping up every day.” The 10-year U.S. Treasury note was trading around 4.58% on Friday morning, after climbing about 30 basis points over the past month. Bond yields rise when prices fall, and investors often sell Treasury bonds and notes when they expect inflation to rise. Inflation is also likely to eat at company profit margins, making stocks less valuable. “The strong economy, combined with the potential for lower taxes, higher tariffs, and restrictions on immigration, has increased the risk that the Fed will have to hike rates in 2025,” wrote Apollo Global Management Chief Economist Torsten Slok on a note to clients in mid-December. Invest wisely: Best online brokers “We see a 40% probability that the Fed will raise interest rates in 2025,” Slok added. “For investors, it is starting to look similar to 2022 – too high inflation, rising interest rates, and falling stock prices." More: Fed lowers key interest rate by another quarter point but sees just 2 cuts in 2025 Most of Friday’s decline was centered in technology-focused stocks. Shares of NVIDIA Corporation were down nearly 3% midmorning, while Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft Corporation shares each fell more than 2%. Despite the declines Friday, it's been a blockbuster year for stocks. The S&P 500 has gained more than 25%, while the Nasdaq is up 31%. Despite some choppiness in recent weeks, NVIDIA shares are still up nearly 180% for the year. Tech companies are often seen as being more sensitive to rises in interest rates because they have traditionally spent more on growing their businesses than those in more mature industries. Of the 11 sectors that make up the broad S&P 500 index, tech was down the most on Friday, while the real estate sector, which gains value with rising rates, was flat. There’s a “risk-off tone underneath the surface,” Lerner told USA TODAY, suggesting that investors who had been embracing more speculative investments may be rethinking that strategy.

In this article, we will explore how the best work desk lamp or study desk lamp can enhance your productivity and overall well-being. We will also provide valuable insights into choosing the right desk lamp and how to maximize its potential in your workspace. 1. Benefits of LED Desk Lamps Energy Efficiency LED desk lamps are known for their energy-efficient design. Unlike traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, LEDs consume far less power to produce the same level of brightness. This makes them an ideal option for those who spend long hours at their desk. An office work desk lamp or study desk lamp that uses LED technology helps reduce energy consumption, saving you money on electricity bills over time. Additionally, LEDs have a longer lifespan compared to other bulbs. Most LED desk lamps can last up to 25,000 to 50,000 hours, which is significantly more than the 1,000-hour lifespan of incandescent bulbs. This means fewer replacements, reducing both waste and the long-term cost of maintaining your lamp. Cost-Effective While the initial cost of an LED desk lamp may be slightly higher than traditional lamps, the savings in energy and maintenance make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run. A rechargeable study desk lamp or any high-quality LED model will continue to function efficiently for years, providing a significant return on investment. With the best work desk lamp, you won't need to worry about frequent bulb changes. The durability of LEDs means you're getting reliable lighting for longer periods, making it an economical option for both personal and professional spaces. 2. Optimal Lighting for Focus and Concentration Consistent and Bright Illumination One of the primary advantages of LED desk lamps is their ability to provide consistent and bright illumination. Whether you're working on a project or studying for an exam, a well-lit environment is essential for maintaining focus. LEDs deliver a steady stream of light, which helps eliminate shadows and reduces the chances of eye fatigue, a common problem with other light sources. For individuals who use a work desk lamp or study desk lamp for hours at a time, the importance of bright, uniform light cannot be overstated. Dimming or flickering lights can cause distractions and make it harder to focus, potentially slowing down your work and study efficiency. Avoiding Eye Strain Prolonged exposure to poor lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. LED lamps, especially those designed for study or work purposes, are engineered to reduce glare. Unlike some other types of lighting, LEDs don't flicker or emit excessive blue light that can cause strain. Investing in the best study desk lamp or the best work desk lamp can help minimize eye strain and improve comfort. Many modern LED desk lamps come with built-in features to adjust brightness and color temperature, allowing you to find the optimal settings for reading, writing, or computer work. 3. Customizable Lighting Features Adjustable Brightness and Color Temperature A key feature that sets LED desk lamps apart from other lighting options is their versatility. Most high-quality LED desk lamps, whether for office or study purposes, come with adjustable brightness levels. This allows you to tailor the light to your specific needs at any given time. For instance, a lower brightness setting might be ideal for evening reading, while a higher brightness is better suited for detailed work tasks during the day. Additionally, color temperature settings are a significant advantage of LED technology. Some tasks, like reading and writing, are best done under warm light, which is softer and more relaxing. On the other hand, cool light, often preferred for work tasks like typing or computer work, helps keep you alert and focused. Here is a quick comparison of color temperatures and their impact on work and study efficiency: Color Temperature Best For Effect on Productivity By choosing the right color temperature and brightness level, a rechargeable study desk lamp or a well-designed work desk lamp can significantly improve your ability to stay focused and work efficiently. Smart Features The latest LED desk lamps come with a variety of smart features designed to make your workspace even more convenient and comfortable. Many models are equipped with touch controls, allowing you to easily adjust brightness or color temperature with a simple tap. Some advanced options even come with motion sensors that adjust the light automatically based on your proximity. Additionally, some desk lamps can be charged via USB, making them a convenient option for anyone who needs a portable light source. Whether you need a compact rechargeable study desk lamp for your small study nook or a larger office work desk lamp for a spacious workspace, the convenience of smart features cannot be underestimated. 4. Creating the Right Environment for Study and Work Creating a Comfortable Workspace Good lighting is essential for creating a comfortable and productive environment. A well-lit desk encourages focus and creativity. In contrast, a poorly lit workspace can make tasks feel more challenging, reduce efficiency, and even contribute to mental fatigue. With the best work desk lamp, you can ensure that your workspace is conducive to productivity. For students, the right study desk lamp can foster a calm and organized atmosphere, which can lead to better concentration and a more enjoyable study experience. Minimizing Distractions LED desk lamps, especially those with adjustable arms or positioning, allow you to control where the light falls. This helps eliminate distractions like shadows or reflections on your screen, allowing you to stay focused on the task at hand. Whether you're working on your laptop or reading a textbook, the right lighting can ensure that nothing takes your attention away from your work or study. 5. Benefits for Health and Well-Being Better Sleep and Circadian Rhythm The right lighting also plays a role in regulating your circadian rhythm. Exposure to cool light during the day helps maintain alertness and can improve focus. On the other hand, exposure to warm light in the evening can signal to your body that it's time to wind down. LED desk lamps are great for supporting your body's natural rhythm. By selecting a lamp with adjustable color temperature, you can ensure your lighting complements your sleep schedule. This is especially important for students and professionals who spend long hours working or studying at night. Reducing Headaches and Fatigue As mentioned earlier, one of the key benefits of LED desk lamps is that they help minimize flicker and glare. This is crucial for reducing eye strain, which is often the cause of headaches and fatigue. If you work or study for extended periods, a study desk lamp or work desk lamp designed to reduce eye strain will significantly enhance your well-being and efficiency. 6. Practical Tips for Using LED Desk Lamps Effectively Positioning the Lamp To get the most out of your LED desk lamp, proper positioning is essential. The lamp should be placed in a way that minimizes shadows on your work surface and ensures even lighting. If you're working with a computer, position the lamp so that the light doesn't create glare on your screen. For a study desk lamp, aim to place the lamp at an angle that provides direct light without causing unnecessary strain on your eyes. Maintaining Your LED Desk Lamp Though LED desk lamps are low-maintenance, it's important to keep them clean to ensure optimal performance. Dust can accumulate on the lamp's surface and affect the light output. Use a soft cloth to clean the lamp regularly and ensure the light remains bright and effective. Choosing the Right LED Desk Lamp for Your Needs When shopping for an LED desk lamp, there are a few factors to consider: Conclusion LED desk lamps are more than just a source of light-they are essential tools for improving your work and study efficiency. Whether you're looking for a work desk lamp that can keep you focused during long office hours or a study desk lamp that helps you read and learn more effectively, investing in a high-quality LED lamp is a smart decision. By choosing the best study desk lamp or work desk lamp with features like adjustable brightness, customizable color temperature, and smart controls, you can create a productive and healthy environment for yourself. With the added benefits of energy efficiency, reduced eye strain, and improved focus, LED desk lamps are truly an investment in your productivity and well-being. When selecting a desk lamp, always consider your specific needs, the size of your workspace, and any additional features that will make your work or study sessions more enjoyable. MENAFN16122024003238003268ID1108999851 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.Giga-projects fueling real estate boom in Saudi Arabia

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--Saturday Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense at 18.3 points per game, the Chargers have yet to give up more than 20 points in a road game this season. That's been accomplished only by five teams in league history, most recently the 2010 Chicago Bears and 2001 Philadelphia Eagles. Turnovers have been a challenge for New England. The Patriots have lost five straight games while breaking in rookie quarterback Drake Maye (14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Maye has thrown a touchdown pass in seven straight games to tie Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history. He has completed 67.6 percent of his passes, just behind the rookie record set by Dak Prescott (67.8) of the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. He also has a pick in seven consecutive games. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has only three interceptions -- 18 touchdowns -- this season, but two of them came in the past two games. New England is 12-2 all-time as the home team in this matchup. Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network Everything is at stake for the Broncos as the finish line to a surprising season approaches. Denver lost the inside track to the wild-card berth to the Chargers last week. But the franchise can still land a playoff berth and 10-win season for the first time since 2015, when Peyton Manning piloted the Super Bowl 50 champions. Denver leads the NFL with 51 sacks and rookie QB Bo Nix has six games with two or more TD passes and no interceptions this season. That's an impressive feat but Bengals QB Joe Burrow is setting the bar far higher. He leads the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes. He's the fourth player with 4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes in three of his first five seasons (Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Dan Marino). Burrow's consistency is to be commended. He's the first player ever to record 250 passing yards and three touchdown passes in seven consecutive games, a streak he can stretch to eight on Saturday. WR Ja'Marr Chase leads the NFL with 108 receptions for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving him 45 in his career. Only Randy Moss (53) and Jerry Rice (49) had more in their first four NFL seasons. Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6), 8 p.m. ET, NFL Network Beat the Cardinals and the Rams can celebrate a sixth season with double-digit wins under Sean McVay. But to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five seasons, Los Angeles has to wait for Week 18 and a matchup with the Seahawks. The Rams are cooking defensively, a credit to the production of their young front seven. WR Puka Nacua leads the NFL with 57 receptions since Week 10, with five-plus receptions and 50-plus receiving yards in each of his seven games during the span. The Cardinals lost in OT at Carolina last week to take themselves out of the mix for the postseason. It was Arizona's third loss in a row on the road, and the Rams beat the Cardinals 26-9 in Los Angeles last season. The Rams have won eight of 10 games since their bye week, when they were 1-4. Kyren Williams has provided support for quarterback Matthew Stafford during the Rams' 4-0 run in December. Williams, a Pro Bowl selection last season, has a career-high 1,243 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries following his 122-yard game against the Jets last week. --Sunday New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, CBS The Bills are hoping to get wide receiver Amari Cooper going. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Buffalo. He had just one catch for 10 yards last week against the Patriots. Buffalo needs a win to finish 8-0 at home -- the Chiefs are also undefeated at home -- for the third time in franchise history (1988, 1990). Bills QB Josh Allen has 75 career regular-season wins, tied with Russell Wilson for the most regular-season wins by a quarterback in his first seven seasons in NFL history. There are big numbers on the line for the Jets, but none of them relate to the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers has 499 regular-season TD passes. He's one away from joining the 500 Club of Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508). Manning (244 games) is the only player to reach 500 in fewer than 250 career games; Rodgers is playing No. 247 on Sunday. The Jets are 1-5 over their past six games and lost the first matchup between these teams 23-20 in Week 6. Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS Carolina put up 36 points and took down the Cardinals last week. The Panthers are playing inspired ball and would be thrilled to continue in the spoiler role by bumping Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers out of the top spot in the NFC South. Mayfield, who started for Carolina to open the 2022 season, found his Pro Bowl form under current Panthers coach Dave Canales, Tampa's offensive coordinator last season. Mayfield has five games with at least 300 passing yards and multiple TD passes this season. That's the bar Panthers QB Bryce Young aspires to, but he's content letting RB Chuba Hubbard carry the offense when necessary. Hubbard has career highs in yards from scrimmage (1,366), rushing yards (1,195) and rushing TDs (10) in 2024. The Buccaneers are trying to bounce back from a costly loss at Dallas. Down two late in the fourth quarter, Buccaneers RB Rachaad White lost a fumble that ended the potential game-winning drive. Mayfield is adamant he wants WR Mike Evans to get to 1,000 yards for the 11th consecutive season. Evans needs 182 yards and has owned Carolina with an average of 140.5 yards in his past four home games against the Panthers. Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, FOX RB Saquon Barkley could carry the load this week with QB concerns for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts (concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) were both hurt in the 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders last Sunday. That's only part of what's different since Dallas was whipped 34-6 by the Eagles on Nov. 10. Even with the Cowboys working their way back toward .500, Dallas subtracted another peak playmaker in WR CeeDee Lamb. Second in the NFL with 101 receptions, Lamb is on the shelf for the rest of the season right alongside QB Dak Prescott. The Eagles are primed to lean on their constant threat in Barkley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,114) and rushing (1,838). With Lamb out, life becomes more difficult for QB Cooper Rush at the controls of the Cowboys' offense. Rush has guided Dallas to wins in four of the last five games, throwing nine touchdown passes and just one interception. The Eagles' defense had five takeaways at Washington last week but has a minus-10 turnover margin (28 turnovers, 18 takeaways) while the Cowboys are tied for fifth in the NFL at plus-10 (26 takeaways, 16 turnovers). Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13), 1 p.m. ET, FOX Indianapolis is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt but trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by two games with two contests left. The Chargers and Broncos both have games on Saturday. If both nine-win clubs win, the Colts will be eliminated and miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Colts QB Anthony Richardson might be held out if there's no spoils on the line for Indy, as he's battling foot and back injuries. A heavier workload suits Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards and three scores on 29 carries during last weekend's 38-30 home win over the Tennessee Titans. New York is in danger of losing an 11th consecutive game behind an offense putting up only 14.3 points per game this season. The Giants are starting Drew Lock at quarterback for the fourth time in the past five games. Lock underwent an MRI on his passing shoulder Monday but no damage was found. He hurt it during Sunday's 34-7 road loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has completed just 52.7 percent of his passes. He has one touchdown and four interceptions in 129 attempts. Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, CBS For the second time in 21 days, the Titans and Jaguars square off with a spot in the AFC South cellar -- and near the top of the NFL draft order -- hanging in the balance. It could be argued that the loser will come out ahead in the long run. After all, that team would enhance its chances to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mason Rudolph, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday's 38-30 loss at Indianapolis, gets the start over Will Levis for the Titans this week. Rudolph also threw three interceptions, adding to the team's NFL-high total of 32 turnovers. The Titans' offensive line has permitted 47 sacks this season -- 40 with Levis at the helm. Levis also has thrown 12 interceptions and lost two fumbles, while Rudolph has thrown eight picks and lost a fumble. When the teams met on Dec. 8 in Nashville, Jacksonville notched a 10-6 win, holding Tennessee to 272 total yards and limiting Levis to 168 yards passing. It's the Jaguars' only road win of the season. Jacksonville is coming off a 19-14 loss last week in Las Vegas, another three-win team. The defeat moved Jacksonville up to the projected No. 3 overall pick, one spot ahead of the Titans. The Jaguars could be without as many as six usual starters on offense this week. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10), 1 p.m. ET, FOX Las Vegas hired Antonio Pierce as head coach after the team had an encouraging 5-4 record during his stint as interim head coach last season. Still, the disappointing 2024 season leaves Pierce's future in question. New Orleans is 3-3 under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who was promoted when Dennis Allen was fired after a seven-game losing streak this season. The Raiders are expected to start second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who has shared that role with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. Rizzi earned victories in his first two games in charge and three of the first four, but the team had by far its worst performance under him in a 34-0 road loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who is in his second season in New Orleans, is trying to return from an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand. Rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, who is 0-4 as a starter and played poorly against the Packers, is more likely to start Sunday. Las Vegas ended a 10-game losing streak by beating the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14 last week. Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS Saturday's NFL slate could determine whether the Dolphins are playing for more than pride. Miami hopes to have a chance at the playoffs, while the only thing Cleveland can do is find a rare winning feeling in a disappointing season. Expected to contend for a second straight playoff berth, the Browns instead have an outside chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft. A third starting quarterback of the year, second-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson, gets the call with Jameis Winston (shoulder) ailing and Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the season. In a 24-6 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, Thompson-Robinson finished 20 of 34 for 157 yards while tossing two interceptions and absorbing five sacks. Thompson-Robinson, who was limited in practice on Thursday because of a quad issue, wants to do a better job avoiding those outcomes. The Dolphins' defense could help in that matter as they entered the weekend 26th in sacks (31) and tied for 22nd in interceptions (eight). Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he won't rest players even if the Chargers and Broncos push Miami out of the playoffs on Saturday. Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX There is still a lot on the line for the Vikings and Packers, who are behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North but competing for playoff position. Free agent signee Sam Darnold is the first quarterback to win 13-plus games in his first season with a team since Dak Prescott with the Cowboys in 2016 and first non-rookie since Peyton Manning with the Broncos in 2012. He's had immense production from former Packers RB Aaron Jones and All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson (92 receptions for 1,387 yards, 10 TDs). Head coach Kevin O'Connell has 13 wins in two of his first three years with the Vikings -- only current Packers coach Matt LaFleur and former 49ers coach George Seifert have done that. Green Bay also has a playoff spot clinched for the fifth time in six seasons under LaFleur. Powered by Jones' replacement Josh Jacobs (career-high 13 rushing TDs) and QB Jordan Love, the Packers fell short of a furious comeback in the Week 4 meeting. Love had 389 yards and four TDs but was intercepted three times. He also had four total TDs in last season's win at Minnesota on New Year's Eve. Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC A matchup of top-10 draft picks headlines the "Sunday Night Football" showdown in Week 17. With only one career start under his belt, Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, attempts to boost Atlanta's playoff chances against Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick. The Commanders are hunting their first playoff berth since 2020. Washington could have a playoff spot wrapped up if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. If Tampa Bay wins, Washington can clinch with a win over Atlanta. Atlanta is searching for its third straight victory while Washington has won three in a row and could get to 11 wins for the first time since 1991. Penix won his debut start at home last week, completing 18 of 27 passes (66.7 percent) for 202 yards with an interception and led the Falcons to four scoring drives in a 34-7 home win against the Giants. Daniels is coming off a five-touchdown performance, including the game-winner with six seconds remaining, to lead Washington to an upset win over the visiting Eagles. He passed for 258 yards and ran for 81. Daniels has rushed for a team-high 737 yards along with six touchdowns. Washington entered Week 17 third in rushing (152.7 yards per game) and 16th in passing (220.9 yards per game). --Field Level Media

Boxing Day is expected to deliver a post-Christmas boon for Illawarra retailers, even after a big month of sales for shoppers. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading Scotty Blasdall, the owner of Wollongong kitchenware store What's Cooking, said Boxing Day was usually a big day of trade and he anticipated it would be no different this year. "Normally we have a track record of being busy, so we're expecting that as well ... I'm ready for it," Mr Blasdall said. Wollongong Central, where the store is located, will have extended trading hours of 9am to 9pm because of the holiday falling on a Thursday. "We're expecting quite a large crowd to come through the doors," centre manager Nathan Copsey said, similar to Black Friday and the final weekend before Christmas. While Boxing Day was no longer as big as it once was - Mr Copsey said one factor was that more people seemed to travel for Christmas - there was still a high volume of traffic and sales. On Boxing Day 2023 the centre saw a 14 per cent increase in foot traffic compared to the year prior, and Mr Copsey expected the extended trading hours would attract even more shoppers this year. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan expect Australians will spend $1.3 billion on Boxing Day, with a total of $3.7 billion forecast in the six days after Christmas - up 2.7 per cent on last year. Even the increasing popularity in Australia of Black Friday - the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States - and Cyber Monday is not expected to put a dent in Boxing Day trade. "People love a sale, so people are responding to Boxing Day, Black Friday, any seasonal sale," Mr Blasdall said. He believed it was also a "new crowd" of shoppers who came through after Christmas. It comes after a year in which the cost-of-living crisis has affected spending. Mr Blasdall said he had seen a downward trend since February, to which he responded by being careful with purchasing and staffing. ARA chief industry affairs officer Fleur Brown said the Boxing Day sales might give some confidence back to retailers. "These post-Christmas figures show there remains a healthy appetite from Australians to make the most of Boxing Day sales," Ms Brown said. "With the cost-of-living crisis, we've seen more shoppers shift their attention to sales events including the Black Friday and Cyber Monday activities." Household goods are expected to attract the greatest proportion of shoppers' spend, followed by food and clothing, accessories and footwear. The anticipated Boxing Day trade comes off the back of a bumper lead-up to Christmas. Data from Roy Morgan released on December 20 showed that Australians were expected to spend $69.8 billion before Christmas - 2.7 per cent more than 2023 - with $21.9 billion of that splashed in NSW. Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs and education. Our Watch award winner. If you've got a story, let me know. Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs and education. Our Watch award winner. If you've got a story, let me know. More from Business Newsletters & Alerts DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Find out what's happening in local business. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Titans return to QB Mason Rudolph after 3-INT performanceNew 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

Smiths Group plc ( OTCMKTS:SMGZY – Get Free Report ) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 27,300 shares, a decrease of 16.5% from the November 30th total of 32,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 27,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Analyst Ratings Changes SMGZY has been the topic of several research reports. Barclays upgraded Smiths Group to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, September 30th. Citigroup upgraded Smiths Group to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 28th. Get Our Latest Report on Smiths Group Smiths Group Stock Down 0.6 % About Smiths Group ( Get Free Report ) Smiths Group plc operates as a technology company in Americas, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through four divisions: John Crane, Smiths Detection, Flex-Tek, and Smiths Interconnect. The John Crane division offers mechanical seals, seal support systems, power transmission couplings, and specialized filtration systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Smiths Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smiths Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

No. 24 Illinois cruises past Chicago State 117-64 behind Kylan Boswell's triple-double

Texas Supreme Court overturns ruling that state Attorney General Ken Paxton testify in lawsuitFormer Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, who came from a famous northeast Minneapolis family and led the DFL Party through the landmark 2023 session, has died from the ovarian cancer that forced her to step away from her leadership role earlier this year. Dziedzic, 62, died Friday in a Minneapolis assisted-living facility where she had been staying since early summer, according to a family member. Until the past week, she was in regular contact with colleagues and working on bills for the 2025 legislative session even though her treatment had kept her physically away from the State Capitol throughout 2024. For much of her career, Dziedzic worked behind the scenes on behalf of other candidates and as a staffer for officials. She was elected to the state Senate in 2012, and ten years later became leader of the Senate DFL caucus shortly after their surprising electoral gains that gave the party a 34-33 advantage in the Senate. When she was elected to lead the caucus in November 2022, Dziedzic had not so much as chaired her own committee. But she worked tirelessly, aided by a deep understanding of policy issues ranging from the state’s complicated tax code to professional sports and health care. During her first month as majority leader in early 2023, she announced her cancer diagnosis. She underwent a hysterectomy and had her spleen and appendix removed in March 2023. As Dziedzic faced treatment, she worked remotely and never missed a vote as she led her caucus through a highly productive session for the DFL. The long list of progressive bills passed included restoring voting rights to felons upon release from incarceration, protecting reproductive rights, paid family leave and free meals for school children regardless of ability to pay. She also personally sponsored a bill to ensure that cancer patients would have their wigs covered by insurance if they lost their hair. That law will take effect next week. Dziedzic returned to the Capitol before the end of the 2023 session, and walked down the Capitol steps with DFL Speaker Melissa Hortman, Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for a celebration of their work . In November 2023, a screening showed Dziedzic to be free of the cancer. But the disease returned three months later, and she informed her DFL colleagues at an online meeting in early February that she needed to step down from leadership to focus on her treatment . She never returned to the Capitol, though she did continue to vote and participate in committee meetings throughout the session. Dziedzic (prounced DEED- zick ) came to the Senate with a lifetime of political connections and policy knowledge that she learned in part from her parents: Walt Dziedzic, a former police officer, Minneapolis City Council and Park Board member, and her mother, Pat Dziedzic, who survives her. Walt Dziedzic, himself a northeast Minneapolis civic legend, died in 2018 at age 84 . Former Sen. Jeff Hayden, another Minneapolis DFLer and former senator, said Dziedzic was a good friend who loved Minneapolis and was an expert on multiple issues. “She was probably one of the most well-respected leaders in Senate history,” Hayden said, adding that she was an even-keeled politician and an expert on multiple issues. “She led without ego,” he said. “I’m just heartbroken.” Arrangements are pending. Beside her mother, Dziedzic is survived by her sisters, Anne Kelling of Waldorf, Minn., and Kelly, of Stillwater, and her brothers, Stephen, of Minneapolis, Timothy, of Stillwater, and Joe, of Roseville.

Dauphin County’s Economic Development Corporation has initiated the process to cancel former county commissioner Jeff Haste’s contract as liaison to the National Rifle Association’s Great American Outdoor Show. The contract allows the Economic Development Corporation to back out at any time but requires 30-days’ notice to Haste. The Economic Development Corporation’s board voted unanimously at a public meeting Thursday to issue that notice and to work through the provisions of the contract to move toward its cancellation. Stories by Juliette Rihl Dauphin County official criticizes contracts to political consultant worth $870K Ex-Dauphin County commissioner stripped of board positions, NRA funding following controversies ‘Blatant betrayal’: Ex Dauphin County commissioner got $325K from owner of jail medical company