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Smart Celebrations: How to Stretch Your Holiday Budget Without Sacrificing Joy

  The holiday season often brings cheer, but it can also strain wallets. With rising costs and endless temptations, keeping spending under control requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical strategies to help you celebrate without financial stress: Set a clear budget : Decide how much you can afford before shopping, and stick to it. Prioritize experiences over things : Shared activities like baking, movie nights, or volunteering can be more memorable than expensive gifts. Shop smart : Compare prices online, take advantage of seasonal sales, and avoid last-minute splurges. Give creatively : Handmade gifts, personalized notes, or “time vouchers” (like babysitting or cooking a meal) often mean more than store-bought items. Limit impulse buys : Make a list before hitting the stores—or browsing online—and resist adding extras. Plan ahead for next year : Start a small savings fund in January to ease the burden when the holidays roll around again. By focusing on tho...
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Netanyahu’s Court Appearance Sparks Debate After Trump-Backed Pardon Request

 

A demonstrator wearing a mask depicting Israeli President Isaac Herzog pretends to feed a banana to another demonstrator wearing a mask depicting PM Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest outside a courthouse in Tel Aviv.


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare court appearance on Monday, just days after formally requesting a presidential pardon in his long-running corruption trial — a move that has drawn both domestic and international attention. The request, which has been publicly supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, has intensified political divisions within Israel and raised questions about the future of its judicial system.

Netanyahu, who faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in multiple cases dating back to 2019, argued that the trial has become a distraction from governing and is tearing the country apart. He insisted that a pardon would serve the “national interest” by restoring unity at a time of heightened political and security challenges. Trump, a longtime ally, urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant clemency, praising Netanyahu’s leadership and calling the trial politically motivated.

Opposition leaders, however, strongly condemned the request. Critics argue that granting a pardon would undermine Israel’s democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent by placing Netanyahu above the rule of law. Some have suggested that any pardon should be contingent on Netanyahu’s retirement from politics and an admission of guilt. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett echoed this sentiment, saying that Netanyahu’s exit could help stabilize the nation and heal divisions.

President Herzog’s office described the pardon request as “extraordinary” and confirmed it would be carefully reviewed in consultation with legal authorities. The decision carries significant implications not only for Netanyahu’s political career but also for Israel’s justice system, which is under intense scrutiny as the trial continues.

For now, Netanyahu remains the only sitting Israeli prime minister ever to stand trial, and his courtroom appearance underscores the gravity of the moment. Whether the pardon is granted or denied, the outcome will likely shape Israel’s political landscape for years to come.

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