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For Deborah Yedlin, the federal labour minister's announcement that he is sending the labour dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for resolution is "long overdue." Yedlin, the president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, says because of the impact of the strike on small businesses and not-for-profits, she would like to have seen the federal government intervene much earlier, as it did during the work stoppages involving railway and port workers. "This is something that's hurt so many businesses, especially small businesses, and it's hurt so many not-for-profits and charities. This has been a really, really tough thing for them to negotiate," said Yedlin. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said Friday that if the Canada Industrial Relations Board determines negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW are at an impasse, it has been directed to order striking workers back to work under the existing collective agreement until May 22, 2025. He says that could happen as soon as early next week. If it does, it will be a great relief for Heather Morley, the CEO of Inn from the Cold, a Calgary charity that helps vulnerable families find shelter. She says the strike has caused a "high level of anxiety" at many charities in the city. Over half of Inn from the Cold's $11-million annual operating budget comes from donations. They had set a goal of raising $1 million in December, but due to the strike, fundraising is down about 30 per cent. "Bringing that money in is critical for us to be able to help families that need it most," Morley told CBC News. She says a quick resolution to the strike will still leave Inn from the Cold enough time to salvage the campaign. "If the mail can start moving, that would be a very good thing for us," she said. Brittany Beatty is the director of community engagement at Discovery House, which provides long-term housing, mental health support and other programs and services in Calgary for children and women recovering from domestic violence. She says about 25 per cent of her organization's fundraising happens during the month of December, so the Canada Post work disruption has forced her team to pivot to other ways of reaching out, like text messaging, emails and social media. She describes the past four weeks as "a stressful time." "It will certainly be a relief to receive some of those donations that we know are sitting with Canada Post right now," Beatty said. According to the labour minister, 1.65 million pieces of personal correspondence are in secure storage at Canada Post facilities awaiting delivery. Beatty says she's hopeful Discovery House will be able to make up the fundraising shortfall when postal service resumes, but she says some of that might not happen before the new year. Jim Osborne, the owner of the Scottish Shoppe and A Little Bit of Ireland in Kensington, says the increased shipping costs associated with the Canada Post strike have caused a "lot of disruption" to small businesses like his. He told CBC News he welcomes MacKinnon's decision but fears it comes too late for retailers in their busiest time of the year. "Most of us have come through the COVID period, and just as we are getting back to normal with new ideas ... we were hit with this," Osborne said. He added that he was fortunate his store didn't see a lot of cancellations, with many customers opting for courier deliveries, despite the higher cost. The strike has lasted more than four weeks, and according to MacKinnon, the federal mediator said negotiations were going in the wrong direction. "Canadians are rightly fed up," the labour minister said. Yedlin believes one of the reasons Ottawa waited this long before acting is a lack of pushback from Canadians, who probably don't realize how important Canada Post is to small business. Part of the blame for that, she says, falls to Canada Post itself. "I don't think Canada Post has made the case for itself, in terms of how it supports the underlying flow of goods across the country.... I think Canada Post has a perspective that people understand what service they provide and they don't have to explain it," said Yedlin. "Here's the issue ... it's not purely a mail service organization any more. It's a package delivery organization," she said, one that is "critical to our economic prosperity." That means Canada Post no longer has a monopoly on the services it provides, which is why she thinks the biggest loser in all of this might turn out to be Canada Post itself. "You always lose market share when you do something like this," she said.4 mnl 。

More than half of adults feel more stressed at Christmas than any other time of the year, according to new research commissioned by Samsung. A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found that 33 per cent have lost sleep caused by worrying about everything they need to do in December. The research found that six in ten adults feel more stressed during the Christmas season, but there are ways to alleviate some of that stress. READ MORE: The Winter Wonderland near Manchester with an ice rink, food tipis and a festive train Around 41 per cent of people lower their stress levels by making lists and writing down everything they need to get done, 35 per cent budget their money, and 25 per cent try to get ahead of their schedule. The research found that the most stressful things about Christmas include crowded stores, long queues and struggling to find the "perfect" gift for friends and loved ones. Samsung Galaxy Ring commissioned the research and teamed up with presenter Fearne Cotton to monitor her every move through a frantic Christmas shopping challenge. Starting strong with a confessed 'really good' energy score of 80, Fearne managed to finish her entire shopping list in less than 2 hours and logged more than 8,356 thousand steps in the process. Fearne said: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year - I love how magical it is for the kids - but it can be stressful and my routine can really take a hit. “From hitting the shops to decorating the tree, there are plenty of ways to still stay healthy and make time for relaxation. “I recently started tracking my energy levels, activity, and sleep which has helped keep me accountable with my wellness, especially in the Christmas hustle. “Remember, the holidays should be a time to enjoy yourself, so it’s important not to feel guilty if you’re not dedicating as much time to your usual routines, as chances are the Christmas to-do list is keeping you active.” Fearne Cotton says that it's important to look after yourself at Christmas The study also found wrapping presents, cooking for large parties and dealing with difficult family members are also among the most stressful things about Christmas. As a result, 25 per cent make a conscious effort to prioritise their wellness during the Christmas season. While 31 per cent try to stay physically active and eat healthy, and 30 per cent prioritise their quality of sleep to protect their wellness. It also emerged 65 per cent feel pressure to buy the perfect gift for someone at Christmas. But despite a third preferring to get their present shopping done well in advance, one in 20 admit they leave it to the last minute. And while 21 per cent prefer to shop in person, a quarter would rather buy their gifts online. More than six in 10 of these (62 per cent) like to see and touch their products before they buy them, and 36 per cent enjoy the festive atmosphere. The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 49 per cent would be more inclined to shop for Christmas presents in person if it contributed to their wellness. Spokesperson Annika Bizon, from Samsung UK, said: “We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves at Christmas time. “From pleasing everyone around us to wanting the festivities to run seamlessly, it’s easy to feel like your wellness has become a second priority. “With the help of technology, we can keep track of how active we’re being, even during the Christmas shop, and feel reassured that we're meeting wellness goals.” Most stressful things about Christmas 1. Crowded stores and long queues 2. Finding the “perfect” gift 3. Feeling like I have too much to do 4. Wrapping piles of gifts 5. Last-minute shopping panic 6. Cooking for large groups of people 7. Pressure to attend social events 8. Dealing with difficult family members 9. Trying not to overindulge 10. Falling out of my routine 11. Not getting enough sleep 12. Managing the logistics of travelling between places 13. Pressure to keep up with holiday traditions 14. Keeping up the magic for the kids 15. Deciding whether to ‘splurge’ on a gift 16. Not having enough time to exercise 17. Deciding who hosts Christmas dinner 18. Making sure the kids don’t find their gifts early 19. Finding Secret Santa gifts for colleagues 20. Convincing your child that 3am is too early to wake up on the big day Fearne's top tips for managing stress at Christmas Get your sleep - I really try to make sure I’m getting a good night’s rest. Go outside – Whether I’m popping out for a walk or just stepping outside to clear my head, it’s such a great way to reset. Over Christmas it’s the perfect excuse to get the kids out of the house too. We all need a bit of space. Accept that routines change – I know it might be harder to get out for a run this time of year and I just accept that. Instead, I try and pick a couple of things I want to do a day and that’s it, I don’t beat myself up about it. Take it easy on yourself – Being in charge of Christmas is a lot of pressure. I try and remind myself Christmas will be fun no matter what happens.

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U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. On Friday: The S&P 500 rose 15.16 points, or 0.2%, to 6,090.27. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 123.19 points, or 0.3%, to 44,642.52. The Nasdaq composite rose 159.05 points, or 0.8%, to 19,859.77. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 12.83 points, or 0.5%, to 2,408.99. For the week: The S&P 500 is up 57.89 points, or 1%. The Dow is down 268.13 points, or 0.6%. The Nasdaq is up 641.61 points, or 3.3%. The Russell 2000 is down 25.73 points, or 1.1%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,320.44 points, or 27.7%. The Dow is up 6,952.98 points, or 18.4%. The Nasdaq is up 4,848.42 points, or 32.3%. The Russell 2000 is up 381.92 points, or 18.8%.CALGARY, Alberta – Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury bounded down the tunnel and onto the ice for his 1,000th NHL start and what was presumably the final start of his career in the home rink of the Edmonton Oilers — a team he’d beaten 16 times previously in his career. ADVERTISEMENT He corralled one of the dozens of pucks strewn around the ice and fired toward the cage he would soon be guarding. But his attempt at an empty-net goal was foiled when the puck he had shot hit another puck at the top of the crease and both slid to the corners of the rink. It was just the first thing that would go wrong for the guy teammates lovingly call “Flower” on this night. Less than 30 seconds into the game, he swung at a puck bouncing in his direction all the way from the red line. He missed, and the Oilers led 1-0 on a fluke that had the Rogers Place crowd roaring and smiling. After the initial shock wore off, Fleury was smiling too. “I haven’t played in so long, I wanted to do well and help the team, and at the beginning to let that one in, I was mad for a little bit and then I just laughed. It was so stupid,” he said following Minnesota’s 5-3 win, which gave him a 4-0-1 record for the season. “The guys came by and they gave me a tap, and they laughed and kind of made it a little lighter. And they battled well, nobody sat back.” ADVERTISEMENT Just under 60 minutes of game time later, Flower was the one grinning in the Wild locker room as Minnesota won its ninth road game in a dozen opportunities. Fleury finished with 28 saves, and the other two Edmonton goals both went off the skates of Wild defenders. In the first period, he made a sprawling poke-check save to thwart Oilers star Connor McDavid’s rush to the net that had the Edmonton crowd primed to explode again. It was the 1,030th appearance in an NHL game for Fleury, moving him past Patrick Roy into third in the NHL record books for most games played by a goalie. He will turn 40 on Thanksgiving Day and has been in the league since 2003, after the Penguins made him the first-overall pick in that summer’s draft. But with Filip Gustavsson off to a fantastic start as the Wild’s mainstay in the crease, and Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings (in Iowa) presumably as the franchise’s goalie of the future, Fleury finds himself in a new role: backup goalie. Perhaps the only time his ever-present smile seemed forced following the win in Edmonton was when Fleury pointed out, on two occasions, that it was his first start in three weeks, since a win at San Jose on Nov. 7. ADVERTISEMENT Minnesota coach John Hynes reiterated on Friday afternoon that there was, for a brief moment, a thought that the Wild would carry three goalies — Gustavsson, Fleury and Wallstedt — for a time in October, meaning there would be two backups, or a rotation plus a third stringer. It didn’t work out that way. “Gus and Flower played well. Wally played well. But based on contracts and things like that and where everyone’s at in their career, Wally went down and played (in Iowa) and he’s doing a good job now and has found his game,” Hynes said. “But Flower’s playing really well and Gus is playing really well. So, it hasn’t been that he’s...the understudy. It’s just, here’s what we need to do everyday and then we’ll try to let you know when we’re going to start. Sometimes, it might be in advance. Sometimes, it might be a little closer to the game.” Fleury has made it clear that this will be the final season of his career, so like a rare flower that only blooms once in a while, seeing one of his remaining starts is worth seeking out. Of course, with the Wild defying expectations, the team’s fanbase is clearly hoping this flower keeps blooming well into May or even June. ADVERTISEMENT ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has named billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain, a prestigious posting for the Republican donor whose contributions this year included $2 million to a Trump-backing super PAC. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social site Monday evening, announced he was selecting Stephens to be the U.S. ambassador to the Court of Saint James. The Senate is required to confirm the choice. “Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America’s most cherished and beloved Allies,” Trump said in in his post. Stephens is the chairman, president and CEO of Little Rock, Arkansas-based financial services firm Stephens Inc., having taken over the firm from his father. Trump has already named many of his nominees for his Cabinet and high-profile diplomatic posts, assembling a roster of staunch loyalists. Over the weekend, Trump announced he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. During his first term, Trump selected Robert “Woody” Johnson, a contributor to his campaign and the owner of the New York Jets football team, as his representative to the United Kingdom.

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The Digital Evolution Seminar, hosted by SITREK Technologies recently in Colombo, marked a significant milestone in fostering innovation and collaboration in the realms of AI, cyber security, and digital optimisation. The two-day event attracted professionals, industry leaders, and experts, all united by the shared goal of understanding and thriving in the rapidly advancing digital landscape. The seminar opened with a sense of anticipation, addressing critical challenges businesses face today, such as leveraging AI for growth and managing cyber security threats. SITREK Technologies demonstrated its role as an innovator by curating sessions to equip attendees with actionable insights to navigate the complexities of the digital era. Keynote speaker Dr. Chiew Tuan Kiang, a veteran in AI and IT architecture, captivated the audience with his discourse on AI-powered solutions, showcasing their potential to drive efficiency and innovation. Other notable sessions included Kai Chua’s exploration of business optimisation and automation and Aylwin Lek’s insights into empowering frontline workers in a digital economy. Discussions spanned a diverse range of topics, from streamlining operations through automation to addressing cyber-physical security concerns in a connected world. The seminar also emphasised sustainability, with Dr. Woo Kang Wei highlighting the role of smart cities and eco-friendly technologies in aligning business goals with environmental responsibility. An engaging panel discussion on emerging trends in cyber-physical security delved into critical topics such as data protection and integrating digital and physical systems, offering participants a comprehensive view of future challenges and opportunities. Collaboration was another cornerstone of the event, as exemplified by the exclusive CEO networking session, fostering connections among senior executives and paving the way for future partnerships. Two landmark announcements further underscored SITREK’s commitment to driving innovation: The seminar’s success reinforced SITREK Technologies’ reputation as a leader in digital transformation, inspiring attendees to embrace innovation and collaboration. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in equipping businesses to adapt, thrive, and shape the future.ALPINE, Texas (AP) — Three U.S. Army soldiers at Fort Cavazos, Texas, have been arrested on human smuggling charges, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas said Thursday. Soldiers Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma, 20, and Enrique Jauregui, 25, were arrested after a vehicle allegedly driven by Palma and carrying Mendoza Lopez, a Mexican national and two Guatemalan nationals was stopped Nov. 27 by law enforcement in Presidio along the border with Mexico, about 500 miles (805 kilometers) southwest of Dallas. Mike Lahrman, a spokesman for Esparza, said he did not know the soldier’s ranks or whether action had been taken against them by the military. A spokesman for Fort Cavazos did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens,” Esparza said in a statement. “Jauregui is alleged to be the recruiter and facilitator of the human smuggling conspiracy,” according to Esparza. “Data extracted from Palma’s phone through a search warrant revealed messages between the three soldiers indicating collaboration in the smuggling operation.” Related Articles National News | Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people, Justice Department finds National News | Two children wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California school National News | Abandoned mines in the US pose dangers to people and property when land gives way National News | Dog food recalled in 7 states for salmonella risk after puppy litter gets sick, FDA says National News | White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign Mendoza Lopez was arrested at the scene of the Nov. 27 traffic stop while Palma, who prosecutors said fled the scene of the traffic stop, and Jauregui were arrested Tuesday at Fort Cavazos, about 125 miles (201 kilometers) south of Dallas, Lahrman said. Mendoza Lopez’s attorney, Shane Chriesman, said he is awaiting more information, known as discovery, from prosecutors on the charge. “Once I get discovery and have a chance to assess the case we’ll develop a plan of attack” and will try to get a bond set for Mendoza Lopez, who is currently jailed without bail, Chriesman said. No attorneys are listed in jail records who could speak for for Palma and Jauregui, who are awaiting their first court appearance on Friday, according to Esparza.

Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Mar-a-Lago | Donald Trump’s first news conference since the election covered a wide range of topics, but it began with an eye-catching pledge: a $US100 billion ($157 billion) investment in the United States by SoftBank, a Japanese technology company. Standing beside SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump announced the company’s investment is intended to create 100,000 jobs. Trump transition officials said the investment will focus on technology and artificial intelligence over the next four years. Bloomberg and Reuters Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In North America Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In WorldHuman rights court rules against Venezuela in 2013 election case

NoneNorth Branch, MN, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tim Davis, a seasoned entrepreneur, has turned his family into a powerhouse team at the North Branch Dickey's Barbecue Pit . With Tim and his wife Sue at the helm, their son Seth as General Manager, and their daughter Hannah leading marketing efforts, the Davis family has transformed their location into a cornerstone of the community since opening in April 2024. "Our family dynamic is the foundation of our success," said Tim Davis, franchisee. "Everyone brings their strengths to the table, and together we're building something we're incredibly proud of—not just for us, but for our community." Tim and Sue Davis purchased the North Branch location after seeing it as the perfect opportunity to combine their entrepreneurial spirit with a love for great barbecue. With a background that includes real estate franchises and other business ventures, Tim saw something unique in Dickey's. "The decision to join Dickey's wasn't just about the product—it was about the people," said Tim. "The Dickey's corporate team provided unwavering support throughout the process, from training to daily operations. That personal touch made all the difference." The Davis family has made their Dickey's location a testament to collaboration and teamwork. Seth Davis, General Manager: With a passion for food and smoking meats, Seth has become the driving force behind the kitchen operations. Hannah Davis, Marketing Director: Leveraging her business and marketing degree, Hannah has taken the lead in connecting with the community through events, promotions, and catering. "Dad handles the business, Seth focuses on the food, and I handle the marketing," said Hannah Davis. "It's a perfect balance. We each bring something unique, and that collaboration is what makes this work." Sue Davis, a school principal, also contributes by helping with catering deliveries and providing strategic input. Together, the Davis family is creating a legacy of quality barbecue and community involvement. Like any business, the journey hasn't been without challenges. From navigating equipment repairs to managing labor costs, the Davis family has tackled each hurdle with determination and support from the Dickey's team. "You learn quickly that financial discipline and adaptability are key," said Tim. "Dickey's provides the resources and guidance we need to overcome obstacles and continue growing." The Dickey's system has been instrumental in helping the Davis family succeed. "Dickey's commitment to quality and tradition is what sets the brand apart," said Tim. "From the smoking process to the customer service, everything is designed to ensure an excellent experience." Roland Dickey, Jr. , CEO of Dickey's Capital Group , praised the family's efforts. "The Davis family embodies the spirit of Dickey's—hardworking, innovative, and community-focused," he said. "Their ability to create a welcoming environment while staying true to our brand's values is exactly what makes our franchisees so successful." For the Davis family, their Dickey's isn't just a restaurant—it's a gathering place for the North Branch community. They've prioritized building relationships with their neighbors and supporting local events, making Dickey's a true community hub. "We're here to serve more than just barbecue—we're here to serve people," said Hannah Davis. "Our goal is to create memories and make every guest feel like part of the family." Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., highlighted the family's impact. "The Davis family represents what makes Dickey's so special," she said. "They've seamlessly blended entrepreneurial vision with the heart of a family business, creating an experience that resonates with their guests and their community." As the Davis family continues to grow their business, they remain committed to upholding Dickey's values of quality, community, and tradition. "Our journey with Dickey's is about more than just business," said Tim. "It's about creating a legacy for our family and a gathering place for our community. With the support of Dickey's, we're excited for what the future holds." About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Hannah Davis, Seth Davis, Tim Davis and Sue Davis in front of the North Branch © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Marc-Andre Fleury’s game still blooms in new Wild roleNone