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Social Islami Bank celebrates 29th anniversary

TORONTO — Losses in the tech sector led Canada's main stock index lower Friday, while U.S. stock markets also fell. The S&P/TSX composite index ended down 50.42 points at 24,796.40. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 333.59 points at 42,992.21. The S&P 500 index was down 66.75 points at 5,970.84, while the Nasdaq composite was down 298.33 points at 19,722.03. The Canadian dollar traded for 69.37 cents US, compared with 69.51 cents US on Tuesday. The February crude oil contract was up 98 cents at US$70.60 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was up six cents at US$3.38 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$22 at US$2,631.90 an ounce and the March copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.12 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) The Canadian PressEaros Raises $10 Million from Lemon Ltd. to Build Decentralized AI Infrastructure

(The Center Square) - The Spokane City Council adopted its 2025 Rules of Procedure on Monday, amending several changes that the conservative minority believed would silence their downtown constituents. Councilmember Michael Cathcart, who sits among the minority with Councilmember Jonathan Bingle, said he anticipated voting against the rules when he walked into city hall; however, after a long, diplomatic conversation with his peers, all seven voted unanimously in support. While initially drafted by the progressive majority, which routinely rules against the minority, the council proposed 14 amendments, 12 of which came from the conservatives. Ultimately, the governing body set aside policy and ideological differences for the sake of their constituency. “I just want to say it’s an honor to be on this side of the 5-2,” Bingle said after some of the majority joined him and Cathcart to approve one of the eight amendments passed. Tensions grew leading up to Monday as the community caught word of the initial proposal that would limit public testimony to two minutes, require three sponsors to move legislation out of committee for a vote and move council meetings to Tuesday instead of Monday. Cathcart and Bingle argued last week that the changes, among others regarding decorum, council commentary and more, would silence their dissent. Both represent District 1, which encompasses downtown and some of the most impoverished areas in Spokane. District 1 often faces the brunt of the homelessness crisis and related crime. The conservatives have attempted to push legislation emphasizing enforcement and other reforms, but the measures usually fail, with Bingle and Cathcart dissenting from the progressive majority. “You can make arguments that these procedural changes are different than what you experienced at STA,” resident Erik Lowe wrote in testimony, “but to outside observers, it is the same: trickery to prevent dissenting voices on the council from being heard.” Lowe said he initially got involved with the Spokane Transit Authority because of attempts from conservatives to silence the progressives from the council who sit on the STA board; now the tables have flipped, and he said the majority has a duty to protect the right to fair representation. Requiring three sponsors would prevent District 1 from pushing legislation that affects their constituents without the support of another. Bingle has also never been able to attend Tuesday meetings due to a scheduling conflict, limiting the ability to represent his constituency. “I cannot tell you the amount of emails I got that were like, ‘Listen, we will never vote for you, but we think it’s important that your voice is heard,’” Bingle said. While the council ultimately passed the amendments to preserve public testimony, Monday meetings and the requirement for two sponsors instead of three, the public came prepared. Community members filled the council chambers on Monday, even late into the evening, before adjourning close to midnight. One group that goes by Save Our Spokane, or SOS, put together a rally and protest leading up to the vote, even gaining support from residents who often disagree with conservatives. The message from each was clear: protect the right to dissent. Resident H.T. Higgins, who donated to Mayor Lisa Brown’s 2023 campaign but then paid for billboards criticizing her, was among those in attendance. While an advocate for the homeless, who are often at odds with District 1, he noted the importance of a fair playing field. He said the initial changes seemed like actions to fortify what he called a “blue silo.” Higgins also referenced the Board of County Commissioners’ conservative majority standing as the opposing red silo, adding that neither should stand for silencing the voice of the minority. “After watching briefing sessions and legislative meetings for the last eight months, it’s very clear to me that the public input has no value,” Higgins told the council. “We all know the decisions to bring legislation forward come from the connected and usually political donors of both parties. In the city of Spokane, that means you better have enough money or connection to get into the mayor’s office; the leader of the blue silo is what I would say."No. 25 Illinois gets 40-yard TD with 4 seconds left for 38–31 win over Rutgers

Change This, Not That: 2024 Audi SQ8 ReviewNina Dobrev is committed to looking crisp. Dobrev, 35, took to Instagram on Monday, December 2, to share the reality of trying to keep her dress from getting wrinkled while riding in a sprinter van. In the clip — which was taken on her way to the 2024 Earthshot Prize in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 6 — Dobrev could be seen standing in a van while leaning over a car seat with her hands on the headrest. “Can’t wrinkle that dress?” Dobrev’s fiancé, Shaun White , said in the background of the clip. “Cannot wrinkle this dress,” the actress confirmed, as White laughed. “I refuse!” she exclaimed. “Really testing my knee here,” Dobrev added as the car shook, referencing the injury she sustained earlier this year after an e-bike accident. Dobrev’s dangerous strategy seemed to pay off — she arrived on the red carpet with a perfect, wrinkle-free dress. Her cherry red frock featured a strapless neckline and a flowy top layered over a fitted column skirt. She blinged up her look with diamond hoop earrings and her 5-carat Lorraine Schwartz elongated oval-cut engagement ring . You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News For glam, The Vampire Diaries alum donned a full beat, including pink eyeshadow, rosy cheeks, long lashes and lined lips. Her brunette locks were straightened and worn down. At the event — which marked her first red carpet appearance since White, 38, popped the question in October — Dobrev cuddled up with her new fiancé, who wore a black and white tuxedo. At the time, she shared adorable photos via social media of White getting down on one knee during his surprise proposal . Dobrev later opened up about the experience, sharing that she thought she was going to a dinner hosted by Anna Wintour. For her surprise engagement, she wore a head-to-toe Chanel look featuring sheer polka-dot tights and a glittery T-shirt dress.

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SDB bank has announced the appointment of Chitral De Silva to its Corporate Management team as the Deputy General Manager/Chief Business Officer. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the banking sector, De Silva brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of driving transformational growth. De Silva’s illustrious career began at Deutsche Bank, where he honed his skills in banking operations. He later held senior leadership roles at Seylan Bank, where he played a pivotal role in the organisation’s success. His areas of expertise include Branch Banking Operations, Development Banking, Recoveries, Remittances, and delivering strategic business outcomes. Beyond traditional banking, De Silva has showcased his adaptability and innovative mindset through his consultancy in Business Development with Emojot Inc., a Silicon Valley-based information technology company, focusing on digital transformation and customer-centric solutions. Throughout his career, De Silva has consistently delivered exceptional results, including expanding branch networks, enhancing profitability, and spearheading key strategic initiatives. His experience in implementing digital banking solutions, optimising operational efficiency, and fostering robust customer engagement positions him as a valuable asset to SDB bank. SDB bank remains committed to its vision of empowering communities through innovative financial solutions. The addition of De Silva to the Corporate Management team underscores the bank’s dedication to strengthening its leadership and delivering unparalleled value to its stakeholders.Skyhawks Sports Announces 2024 Coach of the Year Winner and FinalistsNone