US holiday retail sales stronger than last year with online boost, Mastercard says – Yahoo Finance

(Reuters) – U.S. retail sales rose from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24 as strong promotions prompted consumers to make last-minute purchases to boost sales during a highly competitive holiday season for retailers. It has increased by 3.8% over the period. The sales growth was well above last year's 3.1% increase, with the final five days […]
Canadian researchers trial nature trick to boost mood in winter | Science

The start of a new year: a time of optimism, ambitious plans to improve the world, and a grim suspicion that the first few months may be a harrowing tread in the deepest darkness of winter. But for those who fear the cold and darkness ahead, help is at hand. Canadian researchers are investigating a […]
NYC’s ‘Comfort Dog Program’ helps students boost confidence

A new breed of educator is trying to teach kids in the Big Apple that their paws can be used for anything. The Department for Education's Comfort Dog Program is being rolled out in around 50 schools across the five boroughs, with young pupils benefiting from increased confidence and improved performance. This adorable initiative to […]
Landry Shamet re-signs with Knicks after shoulder injury in boost to bench

The Knicks are saying hello again to Landry Shamet. More than two months after dislocating his shoulder during the preseason, Shamet has re-signed with the Knicks on a one-year deal, officials confirmed Sunday. The veteran sharpshooter passed surgery this season for a chance to play again, continued to rehabilitate aggressively, and appeared in the G […]
How China could boost Trump’s interest in Africa

President Biden's long-promised trip to Africa this month served as a diplomatic curtain call, making him the first president to visit Angola and the first since former President Obama to do so (including President-elect Trump). ). It is unclear whether President Trump will pay more attention to Africa this time, but as the continent becomes […]
Senate passes Social Security benefits boost for many public service retirees – NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ

Senator Collins co-authored the bill and Senator King was a co-sponsor. The bill would restore Social Security benefits to firefighters, police officers, and teachers. WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate passed a bill early Saturday that would increase Social Security payments to millions of people, pushing a long-standing priority for former public servants through Congress in […]
Michael Saylor Unveils New Bitcoin Framework to Boost The US Leadership In Crypto | Bitcoinist.com – Bitcoinist

Michael Saylor, co-founder and chairman of business intelligence company MicroStrategy, announced a comprehensive crypto framework aimed at further integration with Bitcoin and more. digital assets Enter the US economy. Saylor's proposal, shared via social media on Friday, comes at a time of growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies and is aimed at positioning the United States […]
Senate passes bill to boost Social Security benefits for some

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill early Saturday morning that would increase Social Security benefits for more than 2 million Americans. The bill would repeal two statutes that have long reduced pay for state and local police, firefighters, teachers, and other public sector employees and their spouses. The bill passed by a vote of 76-20. […]
Chiefs likely getting Marquise Brown for stretch run in huge boost

The Chiefs could use some help at receiver. Barring some setback, Kansas City has activated Marquise “Hollywood” Brown from injured reserve and intends to play in Saturday's game against the Texans. According to ESPN. Brown has not played a snap for the Chiefs this season after sustaining a sternoclavicular shoulder injury during the team's first […]
Senate advances bill to boost Social Security benefits for millions of people

The Senate on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill that would increase Social Security benefits to more than 2 million Americans by repealing two laws that limit payments to state and local public sector employees and their families. It won by a vote of 73-23. This showed strong support for a bill that would […]