
Gatineau, Que. police seek vehicle owner as part of suspicious fire investigationArticle content Two games (per team) into the 30-game schedule of Season 2 in the PWHL, and already trends are starting to develop. The parity in the league is well beyond what it was in Year 1 with all six teams able to ice a team capable of winning against any other on any given night. Here’s a look at some of the newer tendencies and trends we are seeing in the league in these early stages. SPECIAL TEAMS MORE IMPORTANT First it was the jailbreak rule introduced to encourage offence, even while a team was shorthanded. This season, teams had the incentive to produce even more offence when the league added the No Escape Rule, which forces a team to leave its remaining players on the ice at the time of an infraction for the next faceoff. The combination of the two rule changes have taken the focus teams were already placing on special teams and multiplied it. Through two games, the undefeated New York Sirens share the league lead with a power play operating at 40% success and a penalty kill unit that has yet to be scored on in five opportunities. The Sirens have scored eight goals this season, two of them with a player advantage and one short-handed for one of two Jailbreak goals in the league so far this season. Winless Boston, by contrast, has just one power-play goal to show for two games, and has scored a total of just two goals this season. It’s a real advantage for a team with a good power play, particularly in those opening moments of the player advantage when a team can be going up against an opponent without its set penalty kill unit out there, or worse, when a team gets stuck with three forwards and a lone defender after a penalty. POWER LINES IN VOGUE Look no further than the Sirens’ top trio of Alex Carpenter, Sarah Fillier and Jessie Eldridge as proof of what loading up one line can do for a team. The trio are 1-2-3 in league scoring and tearing things up with six goals and seven assists among them. In Toronto, head coach Troy Ryan has opted to stay with Sarah Nurse between free agent signing Daryl Watts and Izzy Daniel, and that line has produced for him with three goals over two games. In Boston, Hillary Knight was on a line with Alina Muller and rookie Hannah Bilka which was looking dangerous with two goals but now may be without Muller after Boston’s leading scorer from Year 1 had to leave Wednesday’s game following a vicious hit to her head by Minnesota defender Maggie Flaherty. Ottawa’s big line has yet to be identified with Brianne Jenner not in the lineup for the first two games. Whether head coach Carla MacLeod simply replaced Watts spot on last year’s top line with Tereza Vanisova, who is off to a great start, or goes a different direction, she certainly has the option to load up a line that will be the focus of every opponent’s scout. And don’t sleep on Montreal and the defending champs from Minnesota. Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey and Lina Ljungblom are just starting to find some cohesion in La Belle Province, while in Minnesota, head coach Ken Klee is so far resisting putting all his top gunners on one line, but it’s still early. ROOKIES ARE PRODUCING There’s a reason Fillier was a consensus first-overall pick long before the draft began. Everyone knew the Princeton grad and young veteran of three world championships and two Olympics for Canada would be putting up numbers right out of the game. Through two games Fillier, the Georgetown, Ont., native has a league-best five points on two goals and three assists playing on New York’s top line. She’s not the only newcomer turning heads. Dominique Petrie, a former Clarkson and Harvard standout, was a fifth-round pick by the Frost and is already paying dividends with two goals in two games. Montreal wasn’t sure if defender Cayla Barnes, its first-round pick in the draft, would be ready to start the season after she was injured in the Rivalry Series. But Barnes got penciled in and didn’t disappoint, with a goal and an assist in the first two games for the Ohio State defender. In Toronto, Daniel, a third-round pick, already has her first goal and is looking more and more comfortable with each passing shift on a line with Nurse and Watts. mganter@postmedia.com
Why Nvidia is Poised for Growth! The Next Big Thing in Technology( ) is the as the AI-chip maker rises above its 50-day moving average line, offering an early entry. Nvidia shares have risen for four consecutive trading days, rebounding from a recent sell-off. Earlier this month, Nvidia stock triggered . Nvidia's climb above its is a positive sign. But shares have been moving sideways for two months amid concerns about demand and production issues with its latest Blackwell graphics processing units. Still, Nvidia stock is on track to form a shallow by the end of the week. That base would have a of 146.54. In midday trades on the , Nvidia stock advanced 0.7% to 140.65. Earlier in the session, it was up as much as 1.6% to 141.90. Shares are actionable above the 50-day line as well as clearing a short downward-sloping trendline from the record high of 152.89. Nvidia's upsurge follows the rise of its contract chipmaker ( ). On Monday, TSM stock broke out of a at a buy point of 205.63. Nvidia Stock Catalysts Ahead The next potential catalyst for Nvidia stock could be announcements at the CES 2025 tech trade show in Las Vegas. Chief Executive Jensen Huang is scheduled to give a keynote speech there on Jan. 6. Then in March, Nvidia is holding its GTC conference. That AI-focused conference is set for March 17-21 in San Jose, Calif. Wedbush Securities analyst Matt Bryson said Nvidia is likely to introduce its GB300 AI server, known as "Blackwell Ultra," at GTC. He rates Nvidia stock as outperform with a price target of 175. On Friday, Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore called Nvidia stock a . Nvidia stock is on four IBD stock lists: , , and .
By Connor Smith The stock market was rallying across the board, but the Nasdaq Composite was having an especially merry Christmas Eve session. The tech-heavy index was up 1%, which would be its best performance on Christmas Eve since 2000, according to Dow Jones Market Data. The S&P 500, up 0.7%, was on track for its best Christmas Eve since 2011. The Dow, up 0.4%, would mark its best performance on the holiday since 2022. Technology stocks have been rallying for much of the month as Wall Street seemed to favor Big Tech and chip stocks in the face of sticky inflation data. The Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF is up 1.6% today, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF is up 0.8%.
Software development is a dynamic field where programming languages, frameworks, and technologies may live and die within a few years, and job market needs constantly change. However, developers remain among the most in-demand tech professionals, and learning the right programming languages and other skills can help you find a high-paying job in the field. A report from Pluralsight identified the most popular software development technologies of the past year, along with those with the most growth. The most popular software development technologies in 2025 Here are the top 10 most popular software development technologies in 2025, according to the report: AI Agents and LangChain RAG and Agentic RAG Python AWS and Azure Kubernetes and Docker Angular, React, and Blazor SQL Linux SEE: Python is today’s most popular programming language , according to the TIOBE Programming Community index. “We predict in 2025 the biggest disrupter to tech in general will be the adoption of AI agents,” wrote Adam Ipsen, lead content strategist at Pluralsight. The LangChain software framework can be used to create and direct those agents. “Even if you’re not in a technical role, or don’t want to become an AI specialist because you’re working as something like a Cloud Architect or a programmer, knowing AI is becoming an essential skill in 2024 and beyond (For cloud specialists, it’s especially important, as these spaces are quickly intersecting with services like Amazon Q),” Ipsen wrote in last year’s report . That still holds true going into 2025, even though the focus has shifted from large language models in general to semi-autonomous AI agents. SEE: NVIDIA added more AI processing power to its small Jetson Orin developer kit. Meanwhile, Python is still the world’s most popular programming language. Pluralsight picked Python skills as the most popular software development skill last year. “Python dominates data science and machine learning libraries, and over the last few years this fact alone has dramatically increased its popularity and industry relevance,” Ipsen wrote. The big takeaways for tech leaders Large language models, agents, and RAG all interconnect to form a melange of the most in-demand AI skills. “In 2025, we predict organizations will be seeking specialists who can combine these two techniques [agentic AI and RAG] to create highly autonomous AI agents who are empowered by your business data or other relevant information sources, known as Agentic RAG,” Ipsen said. Employees who know more than one of these skills will be valuable, and team leaders should give employees time and encouragement to learn them. Working in multi-cloud environments, especially AWS and Microsoft Azure, is another skill set that will benefit organizations and employees looking to upskill into higher-paying positions.By LOLITA BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, and said “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80 year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. Trump has criticized the billions that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine. Washington has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is a move to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump’s proposed national security advisor U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg was a character in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
Iola’s middle and high school Career and Technical Education programs keep growing, with community-wide efforts to include businesses and organizations. Dana Daugharthy, CTE coordinator for USD 257, gave board members an update on the program Monday evening, just days after organizing an event that brought together students and local business professionals. Friday’s Career Conversation brought in representatives of 28 businesses to talk about their professions, including teachers, nurses, plumbers, an auctioneer, a cybersecurity teacher and law enforcement. One group included the Register’s sports reporter Richard Luken, along with a “pop culture pastor” who talked about his podcast. The Career Conversations are just one way Iola’s CTE programs have expanded their reach, Daugharthy said. This year, 44 students have internships or work-based learning opportunities at local businesses. Some are paid positions. All of the participating students are required to put together a resume and portfolio. Juniors and seniors are eligible. The most popular program is for childcare and education, with several students traveling to Iola Elementary School to work with preschoolers and in classrooms. A few students stay at Iola High School for specialized leadership, coding and engineering programs. One student lives in Moran and spends his mornings at Chancy’s Grill & Shake before heading to Iola for classes. Another travels to Humboldt’s Revival Music Hall for music production. Interns with Thrive Allen County organize student-led conversations at area high schools and Allen Community College. Other programs include beauty salons, various health care clinics and providers, the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, Iola Animal Clinic, Clock Tower Mercantile, Anderson Plumbing, Twin Motors Ford and G&W Foods. On Dec. 13, the students will give short presentations about their experiences. The outreach and education efforts continue on Feb. 7 when IHS will host a College and Career Fair from 9 a.m. to noon. An impressive turnout at last year’s fair prompted participating businesses to ask if IHS would invite other area schools. Daugharthy said an invitation will be extended to the Moran and Humboldt districts. At the fair, students can meet with representatives of businesses and colleges to learn about career and education opportunities after high school. It’s a chance to network, get information and practice interview skills. “A lot of vendors said our students were very professional,” Daugharthy said. Reality U returns Feb. 20. It’s a simulated life experience for 8th and 10th grade students. They’re given a budget and travel to various booths where they have to figure out how to pay for essentials such as housing, utilities, transportation, child care and other expenses. AT ITS CORE, CTE offers students opportunities to explore careers that meet their interests and skills. “Finding out you don’t like something is just as valuable — if not more valuable — than finding out you like something,” Daugharthy said. It starts with “pathways,” a series of classes within a particular field. IHS offers 18 career pathways such as “health sciences” and “engineering and applied mathematics.” Students who take just one class in a category are considered a “participant.” If they take two classes, they’re considered a “concentrator.” In order to complete a pathway students must take three classes in a specific category and meet an additional criteria. That includes earning a certification or credential, having at least nine college hours related to that category, or completing an internship. The Regional Rural Technology Center at LaHarpe offers certification in programs such as welding, construction trades, automotive, wind energy and health care.
NoneRuben Amorim’s debut as Manchester United’s new manager was overshadowed by an unusual interruption in a post-match interview. After the team played Ipswich Town to a 1-1 draw, the Portuguese manager found himself cut off mid-interview by none other than Ed Sheeran, the famous singer and co-owner of Ipswich Town. The interruption provided an unexpected moment of levity in what had been a frustrating evening for Amorim, who was already reflecting on a match that didn’t go as planned for his team. The match itself saw United take an early lead through Marcus Rashford’s first-half goal, but they failed to maintain control as the match progressed. Ipswich, despite being a lower-league team, grew into the game, eventually equalizing through a well-taken goal. Amorim, speaking after the final whistle, seemed frustrated at the lack of consistency shown by his side, particularly in terms of game control and decision-making. He admitted that his team had struggled with the tempo of the match, pointing out that despite a bright start, United had been unable to assert their dominance on the game. “I’m disappointed, but I understand that this is a process,” Amorim stated during the interview. “We are still learning about each other, and we need to do more to control games like this.” The 39-year-old manager was quick to highlight that while there were positive moments—such as Rashford’s early goal—his players’ performance lacked the cohesion necessary to build on that advantage. Amorim’s assessment of the match was realistic but tinged with an understanding of the work ahead. The interruption from Sheeran, who had made his way into the post-match interview area, was an unexpected disruption, and it appeared that Amorim was caught slightly off guard. Sheeran, a known supporter and part-owner of Ipswich, came up behind the manager and jokingly patted him on the back, saying, “Not a bad result for you, huh?” While Sheeran’s gesture was light-hearted, it served to momentarily derail the manager’s focus as he continued speaking about the challenges of managing a team in the Premier League. Amorim, whose appointment as Manchester United manager had raised many eyebrows given his relatively limited experience in the top leagues, has a huge task ahead of him. His candid post-match reflections revealed a coach who is aware of the challenges involved in balancing immediate success with long-term development. He pointed out the difficulty of managing a squad that includes high-caliber players while simultaneously creating a solid tactical foundation for sustained success. “It’s not just about winning games right now; it’s about making the players understand why and how we play, making sure they know when to make the right decisions.” Despite the challenging result, Amorim’s comments were measured and focused on progress. For a manager who has previously seen success with Sporting CP, the bar will be high at Manchester United, and his focus will likely shift to developing a team capable of consistently challenging for titles while adhering to a strategic long-term vision. The draw against Ipswich Town, while disappointing, serves as a reminder that even elite managers face growing pains in their early stages at a new club. Amorim’s ability to adapt quickly and improve his team over time will be key, and the post-match interview was just one chapter in what promises to be a long and eventful journey for the former Sporting CP boss at Old Trafford. Read More : Indian Teen Gukesh Challenges Ding Liren In Historic Chess ShowdownSMS turns into war room for burn patientsPolitical sociology of JVP-NPP avalanche, establishment collapse and Opposition free-fall