Americans spent a staggering $10bn online shopping on Black Friday while in-store purchases continued to dip, according to analysts. This year, consumers took advantage of deals from Amazon and Walmart to purchase desktops, laptops and phones, while sales at Best Buy and Target were stagnant. Overall, online sales rose only slightly from $10.2bn in 2023 to $10.8bn in 2024, according to an analysis from Adobe Inc. However, Salesforce , which tracks a separate selection of spending categories, reported that US online sales rose 7 percent on Friday to $17.5bn. “Crossing the $10bn mark is a big e-commerce milestone for Black Friday, for a day that in the past was more anchored towards in-store shopping,” Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, said in a statement. “And with consumers getting more comfortable with everything from mobile shopping to chatbots, we have tailwinds that can prop up online growth for Black Friday moving forward.” Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., shoppers spent $11.3m every minute with consumers purchasing more home appliances and furniture online, the company announced. Salesforce said it analyzed the activity of more than 1.5 billion global shoppers. Some top-selling products included makeup, skincare and hair care products. Bluetooth speakers and espresso machines were also highly sought-after products. Online-only retailers like Shein and Temu saw a growth in sales in the seven days through Friday compared to a year earlier, Reuters reported. In-store purchases have only grown 0.7 percent year-over-year, according to Mastercard. Facteus reported that sales this year declined. Shoppers were more likely to visit stores to search for merchandise and deals than to spend their money in them. Despite inflation, Michelle Meyer, chief economist at Mastercard Economics Institute, told Reuters that popular holiday purchases, like clothing, appliances, sporting goods, personal care products and jewelry are increasing modestly or declining in price over the last year. It’s predicted that big department stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s might see “muted” sales this year, the outlet reported.Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) Shares Sold by Swiss National BankEx-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio delivers combative testimony in ex-cops defensejili pagcor 。

The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. A man walks past a homeless encampment Oct. 25, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents assist state police as they order people living in a homeless encampment to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. People living in a homeless encampment pick up belongings Oct. 23 after Louisiana State Police ordered them to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. A rat sniffs the hand of a sleeping man experiencing homelessness Dec. 18 in downtown Los Angeles. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium. Homelessness is intertwined with the cost of living, and the high cost of living is hitting older adults fairly hard. A Westat survey for the Department of Health and Human Services found that older adults are the fastest-growing cohort of the homeless population. Emergency housing for seniors can keep that number from climbing higher. Caring.com details how to access it. The number of homeless seniors isn't based solely on people remaining homeless as they age; it also includes those whose first experience with homelessness came after they turned 50. In 2023, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that 1 in 5 homeless people were over the age of 55. For seniors and other older adults, fixed incomes make it hard to battle the ever-increasing cost of expenses. Endhomelessness.org cites that 2.35 million older adults are paying over half of their limited income to rent. Based on Caring.com's July 2024 survey of seniors in the workforce , that's exactly why 1 in 15 retired seniors worry about losing their homes. Shelter use in homeless people older than 51 has gone up over 10% from 2007 to 2017, according to the HUD. But luckily, so has the number of shelters. Between 2022 and 2023, the HUD reports that emergency shelters added 28,760 more beds in emergency shelters, though this is a reduction in the amount of beds available during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency homeless assistance, or emergency housing, is a temporary solution. It's designed to provide shelter while those facing housing instability figure out their next step. Emergency housing for homeless seniors gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered. Local nonprofits are often involved in placing people experiencing homelessness or housing instability into emergency shelters. Low-income seniors, seniors who are low on funds and might not make rent, or seniors who need to leave their homes for other reasons can use emergency housing. Many cities have their own emergency housing programs. There are also nationwide programs that provide emergency housing for seniors. The internet is the fastest tool for locating local emergency housing. Libraries have free internet access, for those who might not have a computer or Wi-Fi to begin their search. The list below leads to websites that include phone numbers for emergency homeless assistance. Seniors in need of immediate assistance and resources should call 2-1-1 or contact the United Way online . The 2-1-1 crisis hotline partners with United Way, which is committed to helping homeless seniors find local shelters or access transitional housing. The service can also connect seniors with other resources, including food, mental health support, or funding for health care expenses. Calling 2-1-1 is often required as a prerequisite before trying to get into a shelter or obtaining other assistance. Because 2-1-1 is for people in crisis, there are no eligibility requirements. However, some programs seniors may access through 2-1-1 do have eligibility requirements. Seniors can simply dial 2-1-1 from nearly anywhere in the U.S. to be put in touch with the programs and resources they need. Designed specifically for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, the Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program offering low-income housing options and rent assistance. These vouchers are available through your local public housing agency (PHA). This program enables and encourages participants to choose their own housing. Housing options don't need to be a part of subsidized housing projects, but there are limits on unit size. Typically, participants must pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards their rent, and the voucher program pays the remainder. Applicant income and family size help the PHA determine eligibility. Citizenship and eligible immigration status also play a factor. The family's income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they're applying to live. Of the vouchers, 75% must go to people whose income is at or less than 30% of their area's median income. Contact your local public housing agency . The Section 202 program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors. This program gives low-income seniors options that allow them to live independently, with support for cooking, cleaning, transportation, etc. This program is open to any very low-income household that has at least one person 62 years old or older. Applicants must submit an application in response to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) posted on Grants.gov . The HUD-VASH program was created as emergency homeless assistance for veterans. Its goal is to give homeless veterans access to permanent housing through public housing authorities. Veterans receive rental assistance through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program and additional case management services through the VA. By December 2023, the HUD had allocated nearly 112,000 vouchers to help house veterans nationwide. To help veterans achieve stability and remain housed, VA case managers may connect veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. If you or your loved one is a low-income senior with eligible military service, you may apply. Your local VA can tell you if your service qualifies you for HUD-VASH. Senior veterans may apply online or call (877) 424-3838. Click here to learn more about the emergency housing options for seniors available in your state. Low-income seniors who aren't in assisted living or independent living communities might find themselves facing housing instability. Emergency housing for seniors can help you or your loved one seek shelter. Crisis hotlines and public housing agencies can offer support. Finding emergency housing for seniors depends heavily on your area. The first step is to call the Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1. Finding a shelter takes less time than applying and getting approved for low-income housing voucher programs. The 2-1-1 hotline can direct you to local resources and locators. Yes and no. The duration depends on the type of housing. Shelters have limits that vary. Some shelters allow people to stay for up to six months, though that can vary based on demand. Seniors can remain in Section 202 supportive housing as long as they meet age and income requirements. Yes. Many counties have financial emergency programs that help seniors handle home repairs or short-term financial crises like utility shutoff. These programs allow the senior to focus their funds on their rent or mortgage. This story was produced by Caring.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Trump asks court to pause law that could ban TikTokLautoka Maroons Aims Big in 2025

NoneElon Musk has corrected himself after falsely accusing fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos of pre-election day conduct that Bezos himself took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny. Posting from the Trump -owned Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida , Musk stated that he had learned that Bezos predicted Vice President Kamala Harris would emerge victorious on election day, and that Bezos had further discouraged peers from investing in businesses owned by Musk. "Just learned tonight at Mar-a-Lago that Jeff Bezos was telling everyone that @realDonaldTrump would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock," wrote Musk on Wednesday night. Update: The ETH (~$10 M) has been returned and we expect that the USDC will be returned later today. We thank the white hats for their vigilance and integrity. The Bug Bounty Program will reward the white hats with a 500 K bounty. The bridge will undergo an audit before it is... Bezos responded to the post. "Nope. 100% not true," wrote the chairman of Amazon. A community note was also added to Musk's initial post, indicating that it contained an allegation Bezos denied. Musk then responded, admitting his mistake. "Well, then, I stand corrected," he replied. White hack? Are you sure guys? He took too long to return the funds. Anyway the criticality in your Smart Contract was detected by @TheArkhivist Team one hour before it happened. https://t.co/t3myBRrWhs Musk and Bezos have frequently been embroiled in public back-and-forths over the past couple of years. In 2022, Bezos took to X to comment on Musk's takeover of the app, then Twitter. "Did the Chinese government just gain a bit of leverage over the town square?" he wrote in a post. Musk was one of Donald Trump's biggest supporters throughout his campaign for the presidency leading up to the 2024 election, with his PAC giving the President-elect at least $200 million in total. Bezos himself caused uproar when he ended the Washington Post tradition of endorsing a presidential candidate, reportedly thwarting the efforts of the newspaper he owns to support the Democratic Party. Originally published by Latin TimesSenior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make an official visit to Suzhou, Beijing and Shanghai from Nov. 24 to 29, 2024. He will meet President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng. He will be accompanied by other ministers, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Education Minister Chan Chun Sing. During his tenure as prime minister, SM Lee made more than 10 trips to China, and is one of China's most frequently visiting foreign leaders. His last trip was during March 2023. Itinerary SM Lee and He will participate in commemorative activities for the 30th anniversary of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), which is the first government-to-government project between Singapore and China. He will then be hosted to lunch by He, and deliver remarks at the roundtable on "High Quality Development in the SIP". SM Lee will also visit the SIP 30-Year Achievement exhibition, participate in a tree-planting ceremony, and visit the exhibition centres of new joint projects by Singapore companies in the SIP. The former prime minister will call on and be hosted to dinner by Xi. He will also meet Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning. SM Lee will be hosted to lunch by the prominent leadership, and will also meet overseas Singaporeans in Shanghai. Shanghai is a key port of call for Singapore companies keen to expand into the Chinese market, with local companies such as CapitaLand, Keppel and DBS having invested into the city. Trade between Singapore and Shanghai has increased by 15 per cent in the first half of 2024, driven by strong export growth from the latter to the former. As of June 2023, Singapore is Shanghai's largest foreign investor, with cumulative actual investments reaching approximately S$34.9 billion in the first half of 2024. As of end-2022, Shanghai is also Singapore’s second largest investment destination in China, behind Jiangsu province. Investments from Singapore are largely concentrated in the real estate, financial services, manufacturing, lifestyle and consumer sectors. Will be accompanied by various ministers SM Lee will be accompanied by the following ministers during his visit: They will also be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade & Industry, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Top photo via MDDINone

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Defiant Adani says committed to compliance after US indictmentMyopia and Presbyopia Treatment Industry to Surpass USD 40.5 Billion by 2032 with 8.5% CAGR Growth 12-27-2024 04:48 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Future Market Insights Myopia and Presbyopia Treatment Market The global myopia and presbyopia treatment market is set for substantial growth, with a projected market valuation climbing from US$ 17.9 billion in 2022 to US$ 40.5 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% over the forecast period. This surge highlights the growing demand for advanced treatment options for vision correction worldwide. The rising prevalence of myopia-related vision loss and the increased frequency of distant visual impairments are key factors propelling market growth. The global upsurge in cases of nearsightedness is further driving demand for effective treatment options, as more patients seek corrective solutions to maintain visual acuity. With a rise in the adoption of advanced treatment technologies and corrective procedures, the market is poised for steady growth. The increasing popularity of solutions such as corrective lenses, laser-assisted surgeries, and pharmaceutical treatments is driving industry expansion. Advances in medical devices and the growing awareness of early intervention for vision correction are likely to bolster market share over the next decade. The market outlook remains strong as healthcare providers prioritize the development of innovative treatment options and investment in preventative care measures for vision loss. The combination of technological advancements and the global rise in nearsightedness is expected to sustain market growth in the coming years. Request a Sample of this Report Now: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-15118 Key Takeaways: The myopia and presbyopia treatment market is expected to grow from US$ 17.9 billion in 2022 to US$ 40.5 billion by 2032, with an 8.5% CAGR. Rising cases of myopia-related vision loss and distant visual impairments are key drivers of market growth. Growing global prevalence of nearsightedness is boosting demand for effective treatment solutions. Innovations in corrective lenses, laser surgery, and pharmaceutical treatments are driving advancements in vision care and treatment. Challenges High Treatment Costs: The cost associated with advanced treatments can be a barrier for many patients, limiting access to necessary care. Market Competition: The presence of various treatment options can lead to competition among manufacturers, impacting pricing strategies. Regional Insights North America: Expected to dominate the market due to high prevalence rates of myopia and presbyopia, along with advanced healthcare infrastructure. Asia-Pacific: Anticipated to show significant growth driven by increasing urbanization, lifestyle changes, and rising disposable incomes leading to greater demand for vision correction solutions. Competitive Landscape for the Myopia and Presbyopia Treatment Market Myopia and presbyopia treatment market participants are concentrating on implementing growth initiatives, such as improvements to current technology, introduction of effective procedures, and consolidations. Myopia and presbyopia market leaders are also planning for investments in R&D to facilitate early diagnosis and create effective and speedy operating approaches to guarantee field uniqueness and solidify their market position. Major myopia and presbyopia treatment companies like Johnson & Johnson, Essilor, and Zeimer Ophthalmic Systems AG are increasing their partnerships to create cutting-edge methodologies and therapeutic approaches to deliver better and more effective therapy for myopia and presbyopia patients. Recent Developments in Global Myopia and Presbyopia Treatment Market For all myopia and presbyopia treatment providers, Essilor introduced a dynamic web app version of the original Essilor Companion in the period of July 2021. This effort delivers an improved in-store digital Essilor marketing strategy while streamlining the digital platform for Essilor's partner companies for getting better their brand recognition. Global Myopia and Presbyopia Treatment Market Key Players Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG NIDEK CO., LTD. Johnson & Johnson Vision Essilor Ltd. Zeiss International ALCON VISION LLC Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Haag-Streit UK Topcon Corporation Myopia and Presbyopia Treatment Market by Segmentation By Myopia Treatment Type: Corrective Prescription Lenses Single Bifocal Trifocal Others Contact Lenses Surgical Drugs By Presbyopia Treatment Type: Prescription Lenses Reading Glasses Bifocals Trifocals Progressive Multifocal Office Progressives Contact Lenses Bifocal Multifocal Monovision Modified Monovision Intraocular Lenses Refractive Surgery By Region: North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia Oceania Middle East and Africa Explore FMI's Related Ongoing Coverage on Healthcare Market Insights Domain: Hybrid Grafts Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/hybrid-grafts-market Protein Purification and Isolation Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protein-purification-and-isolation-market Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/myelodysplastic-syndrome-treatment-market About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-347-918-3531 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube This release was published on openPR.

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