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Price-conscious holiday shoppers opened their wallets for last-minute online discounts on clothing and stocking stuffers, potentially benefiting retailers that also offered such convenient options as free delivery and curbside pickup. The popularity of online shopping has surged due to its convenience, similar or lower prices than in-store, the availability of services like “buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS)” and fast, free deliveries, said Michael Schulman, a retail expert at Running Point Capital Advisors. “The shortened holidays season this year compared to last year, with a tighter scrunch between Thanksgiving and Christmas, also left less time for in-store retail shopping and probably incentivized more phone and computer browsing and purchases,” he said. While there were deals aplenty, retailers appeared to have been disciplined with promotions. Target TGT and Dollar Tree’s shares were up nearly 3% in noon trading, while Walmart WMT was flat. According to a Mastercard SpendingPulse report, online spending during the holiday shopping period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24 grew by 6.7% over last year, compared to a 2.9% increase for in-store sales. This contributed to a total spending increase of 3.8% over 2023, surpassing the previously forecast rise of 3.2% and topping the 3.1% increase during the same period last year. Steve Sadove, senior adviser to Mastercard and former Saks CEO and chairman, told Reuters that spending rose even when higher prices due to inflation were factored in. He noted that the last five days of the holiday season accounted for 10% of all holiday spending, showing “a lot of strength in the end.” With just 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year – retail executives were less exuberant going into the holiday season. They described their consumers as “selective,” “cautious” and “conservative,” and making “needs-based” purchases. As a result, many retailers doubled down on cutting prices and offering promotions, Bernstein analysts said earlier this month. Walmart WMT said it would continue to bring down prices through rollbacks, while rival Target TGT said it would increase its promotional intensity as shoppers were not as engaged without promotions. Dollar General DG said it expects profits to be pressured from increased promotions in the fourth quarter, while Kroger KR and Five Below FIVE also said they had to reduce prices to be competitive. Walmart and Target spent more on ads to reach shoppers on short-video app TikTok and streaming platforms like Peacock and Hulu during the season, highlighting their membership programs that offer quick delivery and BOPIS. Some of these efforts appear to have worked. Salesforce estimated that the number of BOPIS orders could double during the weekend before Christmas, making up nearly 40% of all online orders for retailers. And deliveries are also strong, with FedEx FDX estimating stronger-than-expected holiday delivery volume last week. Huntsville, Alabama-resident Aireale Hobbs, 40, started Christmas shopping for pajama sets, Stanley drink tumblers, and toys for her family online on Black Friday. She said she chose to do a bulk of her shopping online because of convenience, more options and better deals. “I got some things from Target that were discounted when using the app,” said Hobbs, who works at as a front desk clerk at a doctor’s office. Laptops and TVs with new technology, lower prices and growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds, and athleisure apparel also encouraged shoppers to spend this holiday season, even though promotions were at the same levels as last year, Sadove said. “Promotions were controlled. Nothing was extra deep and there were no panicked promotions. What we saw was some real consumer strength,” Sadove said, adding that low unemployment and higher wages were buffering personal finances. Sales in the apparel, jewelry and electronics categories were up 3.6%, 4% and 3.7%, respectively over last year, according to Mastercard. Online sales of apparel, in particular, grew 6.7%, compared to 0.2% in stores. Source: Reutersslots 777 login 。

Senior students in Surrey high schools will get a chance to take online classes next school year, in the board's latest strategy to free up classroom space. "Hybrid learning is a blend of face-to-face and online learning for students and in our context, for kids in the senior Grades 10, 11 and 12," explained Perry Smith, assistant superintendent for Guildford-area schools. Exploring hybrid learning is motivated by a "capital crunch" trustee Bob Holmes says the district is facing, as student enrolment outpaces available school space. While the permanent implementation of hybrid classes would be new, students got a taste for the model during the pandemic years when schools were running classes virtually. As well, teachers became accustomed to the model and likely have learned lessons to improve on this time around, district staff suggested. "We identified many benefits of hybrid learning in our secondary schools," Smith said, pointing to research on the topic to support the claim. The superintendent explained that students will have a choice of going home for their online blocks, staying at school in shared spaces or being out in the community, for example, at a library. For those students who do not have access to internet services or personal electronic devices, technology will be provided so the opportunity is more inclusive, Smith said. He added that the district would receive a grant to make this possible. "While there is a side benefit for students to get ready for the 21st century, as previous speakers have mentioned, the reality is that this was driven because we have such a shortage of space," chair Gary Tymoschuk said. The issue of overcrowding in Surrey Schools can be seen at nearly every school, with trustee Laurie Larsen noting Walnut Road Elementary, that is set to receive a prefabricated module. "They have had one playground for 800 students because the other playground has been cordoned off, they have no greenspace, they have no adequate parking for parents, visitors or for staff. Staff are double parking so they all have to know which teacher is in front of them so they can let them know when they have to leave," Larsen said. The trustee added that prefabs do not provide everything. "We appreciate the modulars, I don’t want to say that we don’t but the modulars do only give the classroom," Larsen said. "They don’t give the gym space, they don’t give any extra outdoor space, they don’t give any library space and especially for the gym so in that school, they have to have three assemblies for every event.. because the gym is too small and the occupancy is just over 300 people." Walnut Road also has nine portables on school site and with the addition of the modulars, whether those portables will remain on site is still unknown. According to the board, affording to relocate the portables may be a challenge. Staff recommended for the board to approve the implementation of up to three senior level courses in a hybrid learning model at secondary schools as a trial for next school year, available on an optional basis. The board unanimously passed the motion.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jake Evans scored for the career-high fifth consecutive game and the surging Montreal Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 on Sunday night. Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, Brendan Gallagher and Alex Newhook also scored to help the Canadiens win for the fifth time in six games. Sam Montembeault made 21 saves. Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel scored for Tampa Bay. Jonas Johansson stopped 31 shots. Newhook opened the scoring on a one-timer midway through the first period. Hagel tied it 37 seconds into the second period, but Dvorak and Evans scored 5:54 apart in the period for a two-goal Montreal lead they would not relinquish. SABRES 4, BLUES 2 ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jason Zucker scored a tiebreaking power-play goal with 9:30 remaining and Buffalo notched their third straight victory by beating St. Louis. Jiri Kulich extended Buffalo’s lead with a breakaway goal that went between Blues goalie Jordan Binnington’s legs with 3:41 to play. Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist against his former team as the Sabres won in St. Louis for just the second time in 12 years to sweep the season series. Zucker had a goal and an assist, and Jack Quinn had two assists for Buffalo. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 35 shots. Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker scored for the Blues. Binnington had 12 saves. Buffalo scored on two of its first three shots, including its first of the game. DUCKS 5, OILERS 3 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Strome scored with 2:36 remaining as Anaheim rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second period to defeat Edmonton. Strome’s goal, his sixth of the season, originally wasn’t called, but it was reversed after a review. Strome’s shot was entirely over the goal line before Edmonton goalie Calvin Pickard could stop it with his skate. Mason McTavish added an empty-net goal. It is the first time since March 30, 2019, the Ducks have defeated the Oilers by more than one goal. Cutter Gauthier, McTavish and Robby Fabbri each had a goal and an assist. Drew Helleson also scored for Anaheim, which snapped a seven-game losing streak to Edmonton. Lukas Dostal made 20 saves. Leon Draisaitl had two goals and Connor McDavid two assists for the Oilers, who were 3-0-1 in their past four. Evan Bouchard also tallied a goal and Pickard stopped 27 shots. RED WINGS 4, CAPITALS 2 DETROIT (AP) — Patrick Kane reached the 1,300-point mark and Todd McLellan won for the first time as Detroit’s coach in their victory over Washington. Kane, who needed two points to reach that mark, had a power-play goal and assist during Detroit’s four-goal first period. Alex DeBrincat scored two goals and Lucas Raymond added another as the Red Wings snapped a four-game losing streak. Alex Lyon made 26 saves. McLellan prior to . Alex Ovechkin scored for the second consecutive game after missing the previous 16 . The Capitals star forward is 25 goals shy of . Nic Dowd had the other Capitals goal. Charlie Lindgren made 23 saves but Washington remained one point behind first-place New Jersey in the Eastern Conference. PENGUINS 3, ISLANDERS 2 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby broke Mario Lemieux’s Pittsburgh franchise career record for assists on Michael Bunting’s power-play goal and the Penguins beat New York. Crosby has 1,034 assists, good for 12th in NHL history. Only three players — Ray Bourque, Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman — have more assists with a single team. The 37-year-old Crosby has played 1,310-regular-season games. Lemieux played 915. Evgeni Malkin added the deciding power-play goal in the third for Pittsburgh, which has 14 goals with the man advantage in its last 13 games. Anthony Beauvillier also scored to help the Penguins win for the seventh time in their last eight home games. Alex Nedeljkovic made 29 saves in his first start since Dec. 17. Kris Letang missed the game because of a lower-body injury, and defenseman Nathan Clurman made his NHL debut. Anders Lee and Bo Horvat scored third-period goals for the Islanders, who fell behind 3-0 before their rally fell short. Marcus Hogberg stopped 38 shots during his first start since April 28, 2021. GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3, FLAMES 0 LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brett Howden scored his 15th goal of the season and Ilya Samsonov stopped 31 shots as Vegas Golden defeated Calgary. Howden redirected defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s shot from the top of the slot late in the second period and is now tied with Ivan Barbashev for the team lead in goals. Howden has scored a goal in four of the last five games. Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson also scored for the Golden Knights, who have shut out Calgary twice this season, . Dan Vladar made 34 saves for Calgary. The Golden Knights have now won six straight, the longest active win streak in the NHL, while improving to 25-8-3 on the year. They own a 13-2-1 record against Pacific Division opponents. SENATORS 3, WILD 1 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Josh Norris broke a tie on a power play with 7:18 left, Leevi Merilainen made 30 saves in his fifth NHL game and Ottawa beat Minnesota. Ottawa has won seven of its past nine games, while the Wild have lost five of their past seven. The Senators won in Minnesota for the first time since 2016. With starter Linus Ullmark and backup Anton Forsberg out with injuries, the Senators have been relying on Merilainen and Mads Sogaard since before the NHL holiday break. Frederick Gaudreau opened the scoring for Minnesota late in the first period. Ridly Greig tied it early in the second. Claude Giroux added an empty-netter. STARS 5, BLACKHAWKS 1 CHICAGO (AP) — Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn each had a goal and two assists, and Dallas beat Chicago. Jason Robertson, Evgenii Dadonov and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist for Dallas, which had lost three of four. Jake Oettinger made 24 saves. Chicago dropped its fourth consecutive game. It lost three of four in its season series against Dallas. Connor Bedard scored his 10th goal for the Blackhawks, and Arvid Soderblom made 26 stops. Next up for Bedard and company is the Winter Classic on Tuesday against St. Louis. Dallas grabbed control after Chicago forward Tyler Bertuzzi was ejected 8:11 into the second period. Bertuzzi was sent off for elbowing Stars forward Colin Blackwell in the face. The Associated Press

Home for the holidays? Show relatives you care with some tech supportDarb Al Saai at Umm Salal has seen a large turnout of visitors since it was officially opened on December 10 for the Qatar National Day (QND) celebrations. Many Qatar citizens and expatriates have been visiting this major national event, which will continue until December 18. This year Darb Al Saai reflects the spirit of Qatari heritage through activities suitable for all age groups, blending entertainment with education. In particular the visitors highly appreciated the exceptional organisation of this year’s edition, both inside and outside the venue. Speaking to local Arabic daily *Arrayah, a number of young Qatari men expressed admiration for the diversity of events, including the theatrical performances, folk arts, and the heritage exhibitions. They said that these activities entertain the visitors while enhancing the Qatari values and traditions among the younger generation. They noted that Darb Al Saai continues to be a key hub for QND celebrations, showcasing the depth of national heritage in a contemporary style appealing for all public preferences. Abdullah Mohamed noted that this year’s Darb Al Saai is different from his last visit three years ago. He appreciated the well-organised event and the new activities, which included educational and entertaining programmes for children. He also encouraged people and their families to visit the event to explore Qatari folk heritage and enjoy a rich and engaging experience. Nasser al-Khelaifi said there are various distinctive activities that showcase the Qatari heritage with a modern vision. He pointed out that the events highlight cultural symbols in an enjoyable manner suitable for all family members. Ahmed al-Zaabi praised the quality of organisation, from the external facilities such as parking spaces to the internal ones, including spacious areas for children, theatrical performances, and cultural workshops. He noticed there is a high level of safety for children, facilitated by the use of identification bracelets on minors with parents' contact numbers. Abdullah Khamis remarked that this year’s activities blend Qatari heritage with modern technology, adding a new dimension to visitors’ experiences. He added that some events, such as 3D shows and interactive games, present the local heritage in an exciting way for children, enhancing their understanding of the values and culture of the ancestors. Tamim Mohammed said that Darb Al Saai highlights the Qatari heritage through innovative and attractive means, such as the Qatari Archives House, which teaches children techniques for restoring old documents, and the Music Museum, which offers hands-on performance experiences to discover young talents. Saleh al-Saadi, visiting Darb Al Saai for the first time, said the event offers a comprehensive experience that combines entertainment and education. He expressed his admiration for the well-structured organisation of the activities, catering to all age groups. Related Story Visit Qatar to launch new desert activation at ‘Ras Abrouq’ Qatar National Archives in first participation in Darb Al SaaiI'm a beauty writer and Shark's Flex-styler dries my hair rapidly, leaves it salon-worthy

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Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyeama admits his airline staff violate regulations – NCAA claims

Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving timeRuben Amorim admits Man Utd fans are ‘tired’ and expects ‘nervous’ Old Trafford for Newcastle clash

RUBEN AMORIM is certainly not stupid and he can read the room at Old Trafford. Although, in his previous appearance at the Theatre of Dreams, this also saw him witness a leaking roof in his post-match press conference... which sums up the state of Manchester United right now. Yet the Portuguese coach knows all about the importance of having a connection with supporters and he can clearly see Red Devils’ fans are all “tired” with the situation at their shambolic club. Amorim has only been at United just over a month but the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Wolves was his fifth in seven games since taking charge in the wake of Erik ten Hag’s sacking. And now he must prepare for Monday’s visit of in-form Newcastle . The former Sporting Lisbon chief, 39, has a contract until 2027 and maintains that is enough time for him to be judged. He is not being helped by arriving in such a toxic situation with fans disillusioned at the way United have been run on and off the pitch. Yet Amorim ’s problem is that, over the last few weeks, the team has gone BACKWARDS . United’s last home game was Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth — which is when the roof started leaking on him . Incredibly, it was the club’s fourth Prem defeat at Old Trafford this season. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER S Eddie Howe’s team will arrive on a run of four successive wins, so a game against Newcastle is the last thing United need. Yet Amorim insisted: “We have to fight against everything because our supporters are always there, but they are tired of this moment. “It’s part of football to have these difficult moments. I already knew that it was going to be tough. “You expect to win more games, to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and to work and improve things. “At this moment it’s really hard. We have to survive to have time and then to improve the team.” Amorim cannot be faulted for his honesty. He also conceded that the mood at Old Trafford could be tense whenever Newcastle attack. He added: “We have to expect that any play from Newcastle near our box is going to make the stadium nervous and our players have to cope with that. “It’s a very strong team with a lot of pace, with a lot of time working with the same coach. We want to be competitive and try to win the game, that’s all.” This is currently the worst United team in half a century — which is incredible when you consider how much money has been spent in recent seasons. It is not just the absence of quality, either. There is a lack of belief and energy and the team is so predictable. There is no reason why United cannot beat Newcastle. But equally, it would not be a surprise if they were crushed 4-0. After the loss against Wolves, Amorim admitted that the side had to “survive” in the Premier League as they sit 14th in the table, eight points off the relegation zone. Another worry is that United are struggling at corners and free-kicks. They have conceded ten goals from set-pieces this term — five of them coming under Amorim’s command. Goalkeeper Andre Onana was beaten by Matheus Cunha’s corner at Molineux seven days after Tottenham’s Son Heung-min did the same to Altay Bayindir in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. The fact that Wolves had practised trying to score direct from corners during the week showed there is an issue as Onana is not being protected by his defenders. Amorim admitted: “Set-pieces are becoming so important. We have to learn, even with the small guys.” United’s new coach was also asked whether Red Devils’ fans can play a part against Newcastle by ramping up the atmosphere on Monday. But he said: “I would not dare to ask anything of our fans. They give us everything: a full stadium, they’re always supporting, clapping loss after loss. “I just want to give something to the fans, not ask something of them.” United will be without captain Bruno Fernandes after his red card at Wolves . Although the Portuguese playmaker’s dismissal at Spurs in September was overturned, he continues to walk a disciplinary tightrope and cannot be trusted. Asked if former skipper Harry Maguire could be reinstated, Amorim said: “He will have to wait until the game. “He works really well. He’s focused on the job, not what people say. He does not make excuses, even if he had some tough moments. “I think in that department he is an example, so he is there to play to help the team. He’s trying to do that.” By Ken Lawrence WOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United's struggles continued. The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of. United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes' red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner. Here is how SunSport rated the performances... ANDRE ONANA: 4 He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal - his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected. LENY YORO: 5 Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark. HARRY MAGUIRE: 6 The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods - at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time. LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6 Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5 Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch - Cunha. MANUEL UGARTE: 5 Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card. KOBBIE MAINOO: 5 Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed. DIOGO DALOT: 6 Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United - but he had no major influence on a poor team display. AMAD DIALLO: 5 Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago. BRUNO FERNANDES: 3 Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that. RASMUS HOJLUND: 5 Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left. SUBS Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6 Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6 Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6 Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5 Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5