World

US President Biden raised $72 million in second-quarter to open campaign

President Joe Biden kicked off his 2024 reelection effort with a $72 million haul in the second quarter, allaying the fears of some big donors that the campaign was off to a slow start.

The total, which far exceeds the amounts raised by his Republican rivals, includes money raised for his campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and state parties. The campaign reported $77 million in cash on hand, which it said “represents the highest total amassed by a Democrat at any comparable point in history, in a statement on Friday.

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Campaigns are due to report detailed information on their finances to the Federal Election Commission on Saturday, which will also reveal the top donors to each campaign.

Biden’s total tops the $35 million that the GOP frontrunner, former President Donald Trump raised in the second quarter and the $20 million that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis raised in roughly six weeks after launching his campaign. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley raised $7.3 million, while fellow South Carolinian Senator Tim Scott raised $6.1 million.

Since formally launching his campaign on April 25, Biden brought in more than $1 million per day on average, a pace that exceeds that of former President Barack Obama. Obama raised a record $86 million when his reelection launched in the second quarter of 2011, averaging just under $1 million a day when contribution limits were much lower.

More than 394,000 donors contributed, of whom 30 percent were new, the campaign said. Of the 670,000 individual contributions received, 97 percent were in amounts less than $200, and the average contribution was $39.

Because of a joint fundraising agreement between Biden’s campaign, the DNC, and state parties, the president is able to accept money in much bigger chunks than his Republican rivals. The maximum donation to the Biden Victory Fund is $929,600, dwarfing the $3,300 individual contribution limit for single campaigns without a broader agreement with the party.

The campaign hosted 38 fundraisers since April. Some of the in-person fundraisers had ticket prices of more than $25,000, much more than the $3,300 limit on contributions to the campaign.

The president enjoys the advantages that come with incumbency. With no serious rival for the Democratic nomination, Biden can stockpile his money while Republican challengers spend theirs promoting themselves and attacking opponents in pursuit of the GOP nomination. Political operatives say the general-election campaign will be an expensive and bruising one — especially if Biden ends up in a rematch with Trump.

But while Biden is not facing a costly primary, his fundraising number will be seen as a proxy for voter enthusiasm. Already the oldest US president in history at 80, Biden is plagued by persistently low approval ratings and questions about his health and fitness to serve another four years. Democrats had also expressed concern that Biden was fundraising at a slower pace after launching his campaign.

Donor outreach

The president has stepped up campaign events in recent weeks to tout his legislative accomplishments, in particular his economic agenda which the White House has taken to calling Bidenomics. The economy is expected to be front-and-center for 2024 voters.

Just 38.4 percent of voters approve of his handling of the economy, while 59 percent disapprove, according to the RealClearPolitics average of national polls. Biden’s overall approval rating is 42.1 percent according the RealClearPolitics average.

With under 16 months to go before the election, campaigns are ramping up their outreach to donors. Members of Biden’s campaign team and the DNC started traveling in July to key cities, including Minneapolis, Boston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, to meet important donors.

Veteran Democratic fundraiser Rufus Gifford is expected to leave his job as chief protocol officer at the US State Department at the end of July to join Biden’s campaign and oversee outreach to Democratic donors.

World

Almarai signs an MoU with the Authority of People with Disabilities to train and employ them.

Almarai Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Authority of People with
Disabilities to train, qualify and employ persons with disabilities. This came on the sidelines of
the First International Labor Market Conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development on December 13 – 14, 2023, at the King Abdulaziz Convention Center
in Riyadh.

The memorandum was signed by the Chief Human Resources Officer of Almarai Company,
Fahad Mohammed Aldrees, and the CEO of the Authority of People with Disabilities, Dr.
Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Haidari.

“This agreement comes within the framework of the company’s social responsibility program, as
Almarai employs more than 500 people with disabilities, which is one of the most suitable work
environments for them.” Fahad Aldrees said. Pointing out that Almarai has the “Silent Line”,
which is one of its production lines that is designated for people with hearing disabilities.

It is worth mentioning that Almarai supports over 300 charity organizations annually across the
kingdom that operate in the field of community development.

World

Central Phuket Shopping Center Prepared Surprises This Christmas & New Year 2024

Central Phuket Shopping Center, the luxury lifestyle landmark o Phuket, invites everyone to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024 in The Great Celebration 2024 Campaign. Joining hands with global partner ‘The Pokémon Company’, Central Phuket bring over Pokémon, the super cute character popular around the world, for all locals and international fans. The special campaign launch presents a procession of cute ‘Pikachu’ alongside with the giant Christmas tree for the first time in Thailand.
This December, Central Phuket prepared many activities for shoppers when visiting Phuket! Experience the “Surprise of the Day” with free Cotton Candy for our little ones, a sweet and fluffy treat, a special gift from Central Phuket. Bring your kids to enjoy this sweet treat every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December. Don’t miss the Christmas Carol that
everyone loves, little Santas spread freshness by singing together in the Christmas Carol activity. Plus, Christmas Live Music, the festival of joy is back! Celebrate Christmas in a luxurious and classy atmosphere, enjoying the music that will bring us joy. Also, there will be Christmas Troop, Santa Claus is coming to town! The Santa troop will spread happiness throughout Central Phuket. Lastly, Cake Workshop, workshop activity with Chef Sebastien’s IRON CHEF Thailand teaching how to make Christmas Vanilla Cake. A special activity for the Christmas season. Moreover, Central Phuket provides special promotion exclusively for international tourists throughout December 23 – January 24 including:

1) Get Free! Tourist welcome discount package valued up to THB 10,000.
2) Receive THB 100 Gift voucher when spending up to THB 2,500 per receipt.
3) Get to buy ‘Happy Holiday Collections’ special price: Pokémon 2-in-1 pillow blanket, tumbler, travel bag set, and keychain. Visit redemption counter for the price.
4) Exclusive for Grab Users get discount code up to 25% off* when traveling to participating Central Shopping Centers.
5) Receive famous Elephant Pants when spending over THB 5,000 in shopping center.
6) Get Free! H&M THB 100 gift voucher when booking any accommodations in Phuket with Agoda. Terms and conditions apply.

Central Phuket is a home of global luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Exclusive for this season, Louis Vuitton launches a pop-up store located at Central Phuket. The design is inspired by the story of Damier or Checkerboard, the brand’s signature pattern. This classic pattern was created by Louis
Vuitton and his son Georges Vuitton in 1888 and has always been part of the design of Maison’s iconic items and concepts. Find clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories for men at the Pop-up Store from Louis Vuitton at Central Phuket, 1st floor, from today until 31 March 2024. And with over 500 renowned fashion brands and lifestyle shops ranging from local to international
well-known brands covering all categories, international shoppers will be able to find what they are looking for in Central Phuket.
Central Phuket is located in the heart of one of the world’s most famous beach cities, Phuket and await to welcome both locals and international visitors this holiday. Also, don’t miss one of the most joyful New Year Count Down events in Phuket city at Central Phuket Shopping Center on December 31, 2023.

World

Saudi Fund for Development Provides $100 Million Development Loan for the Rogun Hydropower Project

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed a new development loan agreement with the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Kahhorzoda Fayziddin Sattor, through which SFD is contributing $100 million USD to fund the Rogun Hydropower Project, a landmark initiative that will enhance energy,
food, and water security, and foster sustainable development in the country. The signing was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Al-Reshiadan, and the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Akram Karimi, alongside other officials from both sides. SFD’s development loan will help contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable food and water future for Tajikistan, while driving the country’s energy transition and climate resilience. The project aims to contribute to the national energy security and will help advance sustainable
development in the Republic of Tajikistan, by providing the renewable electricity supply to meet local demand and expand electricity production domestically and regionally, producing 3600 MW of energy. The loan agreement will also finance the construction of a 335-meter-tall dam, which will enhance irrigation capabilities and bolster agricultural activities across the country. Additionally, the project will improve flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic
tunnels for diversion and drainage. It will also provide clean and drinkable water to people through desalination, and help advance socio-economic development, by creating both direct and indirect jobs.
Importantly, this project also supports the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, SDG 2, Zero Hunger, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
On this occasion, the CEO of SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan’s energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of
hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy. It will propel Tajikistan towards environmental stewardship and prosperity.”