u777u

u777u Canada's financial intelligence agency says it is modernizing with the aim of providing valuable information to police and security officials in real time -- or as close to that goal as it can get. In its newly released annual report, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada says it is working with businesses and federal partners to move more quickly in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The agency, known as Fintrac, identifies money linked to illicit activities by electronically sifting millions of pieces of information each year from banks, insurance companies, money services businesses, real-estate brokers, casinos and others. In turn, it discloses intelligence to police and security agencies about the suspected cases. In 2023-24, Fintrac produced more than 4,600 financial intelligence disclosure packages for recipients including the RCMP, municipal and provincial police, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canada Revenue Agency. In a message in the report, Fintrac director Sarah Paquet says the agency aims to harness modern skills, tools and technologies to analyze data and produce intelligence in real time. Paquet said such swiftness could be a game-changer, for example, in the agency's efforts to track financial transactions related to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. "It will allow us to proactively identify and assist law enforcement in disrupting networks much quicker," she said. "This will mean rescuing victims sooner, saving them from prolonged abuse. It will mean supporting survivors sooner, getting them the assistance they need in a more timely fashion. And it will help law enforcement target, arrest and charge the traffickers sooner, preventing the abuse of new victims." Fintrac's digital strategy includes advancing automation, analytics and the use of artificial intelligence, Paquet said. In a bid to "stay ahead of the bad actors," Fintrac has created a digital acceleration and modernization team "to experiment with, and exploit, the latest technologies." Transnational organized crime groups and professional money launderers are the most prominent threats to Canada when it comes to illicit cash transactions, the report said. "At the same time, while the threat of terrorist financing is not as pronounced in Canada as it is in other regions of the world, there are networks operating in our country that are suspected of raising, collecting and transmitting funds abroad to various terrorist groups." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now Home Our Guide To The Best Home Weather Stations In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Stand Mixers In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Nespresso Machines in Canada in 2024 (And Where to Get Them) Gifts 22 Gifts That Are Guaranteed To Impress Just About Anyone 15 Useful Amazon Products That Make Great Stocking Stuffers 19 Of The Best Tech Gifts Under $100 Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Grippy Non-Slip Socks Will Level Up Your Pilates Practice, And They're On Sale Right Now For Black Friday From Anthropologie To Adidas: Here Are The Best Early Black Friday Deals On Clothing And Accessories These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech CTVNews.ca Top Stories Netanyahu says he supports proposed ceasefire with Lebanon's Hezbollah Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday recommended his Cabinet approve a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January. As Trump vows major tariff hike, a look at what the U.S. imports from Canada Some Canadian products could face huge tariffs on the first day of Donald Trump's administration in January. Here’s a quick look at what the U.S. imports from Canada. Canadian government suspends contracts with Boissonnault's former company The medical supply company co-founded by Liberal MP and former minister Randy Boissonnault has been suspended from bidding on or entering into contracts with the Government of Canada. DEVELOPING | Follow live: Notorious killer Paul Bernardo seeks parole Paul Bernardo, one of Canada’s most notorious killers, is seeking parole at the medium security La Macaza Institution in Quebec. He was transferred there from an Ontario maximum-security prison last year, to significant public outcry. Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday. Violence in Montreal had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian cause: police chief Montreal's police chief says it's 'impossible' for protest organizers to prevent people bent on violence from infiltrating demonstrations. They thought they'd found Amelia Earhart's plane. Instead, the search continues The disappearance of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart more than 87 years ago has remained one of the most captivating mysteries in history, with a handful of explorers devoted to scouring the seas for any clue to her final whereabouts. DEVELOPING | Trudeau confirms premiers meeting, Poilievre calls Trump tariff threat 'unjustified' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be convening a meeting of all of Canada's premiers 'this week' to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's intent to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office, if border issues aren't addressed. Vancouver B.C. teen with avian flu remains in critical care, source of infection still unknown The teenager who is infected with the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza acquired in Canada remains in critical care at BC Children’s Hospital, officials said Tuesday. B.C. premier says Canada will negotiate from 'position of strength' on US tariff British Columbia Premier David Eby says Canada must stand together and negotiate from its position on strength against plans by United States president-elect Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Shots fired into Delta home, police say No one was injured when a suspect fired shots into a home in North Delta early Tuesday morning, police say, and the suspect remains at large. Toronto Ford says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods like 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart' Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is akin to 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart.' Traveller at Toronto Pearson airport caught with 45 kg of weed in her luggage: RCMP A 21-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly attempting to conceal 45 kilograms of cannabis in her luggage. Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January. Calgary Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Trump's border concerns are valid as tariffs loom Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Donald Trump’s concerns about the border are valid, as the president-elect threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. LIVE at 3:30 | Alberta to announce actions against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap The Alberta government is hitting back at the proposed federal emissions cap Tuesday afternoon. Falconridge road rage incident investigated by Calgary police Calgary police are looking for video as they investigate an instance of road rage in Falconridge. Ottawa 'It's insulting:' Ontario premier slams Trump on Canadian tariff threat Ontario Premier Doug Ford is reacting to a threat from incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, calling the proposal ‘insulting’ and emphasizing the need for leaders to work together on a response. More winter weather expected this week in Ottawa A freezing rain warning in Ottawa has been lifted after a low-pressure system moved through eastern Ontario on Tuesday. Environment Canada says freezing rain will transition to rain as temperatures rise above 0 C this morning. Land near Dow's Lake being cleared in advance of new Civic Campus construction This is another step in the plan to construct a cutting-edge replacement for the aging Civic Campus, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Montreal Violence in Montreal had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian cause: police chief Montreal's police chief says it's 'impossible' for protest organizers to prevent people bent on violence from infiltrating demonstrations. Shipping container of teddy bears pulled out of river near Montreal A shipping container full of teddy bears that fell into the St. Lawrence River near the Port of Montreal over the weekend has been successfully removed. Legault says Trump's 25 per cent tariff would pose 'huge risk' for Quebec, Canadian economies Premier François Legault says President-elect Donald Trump's threat of a 25 per cent tariff on all imports would pose a 'huge risk' to the Quebec and Canadian economies. Edmonton LIVE at 3:30 | Alberta to announce actions against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap The Alberta government is hitting back at the proposed federal emissions cap Tuesday afternoon. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Trump's border concerns are valid as tariffs loom Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Donald Trump’s concerns about the border are valid, as the president-elect threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Alberta building new youth recovery beds at Edmonton jail The Alberta government is spending millions to create new spaces for youth addiction recovery at an Edmonton jail. Atlantic Nova Scotians head to the polls to vote in snap election; results delayed by an hour Nova Scotians are casting their votes Tuesday in a snap provincial election, but they won't learn the outcome until after 9 p.m., due to a delayed opening at a polling station. N.S. lobster buyer calls for heightened policing after shot fired into Meteghan home A lobster buyer in Meteghan, N.S., is looking for heightened policing aimed at organized crime after a bullet was fired into his home on Saturday night. Halifax-area residents served by Lake Major asked to continue to conserve water despite recent rain Halifax Water continues to ask residents and businesses who are served by Lake Major to conserve their water use. Winnipeg 'It would mean a recession': Premier Kinew speaks on Trump's tariff threat Tariffs on Canadian goods headed to the United States would mean a recession in Manitoba. That is how Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew feels about comments from president-elect Donald Trump Monday. Portage la Prairie Mall closing after 45 years A beloved retail staple in Portage la Prairie, Man., is shutting its doors at the end of the year. Steinbach man charged with child luring: RCMP A 20-year-old man from Steinbach has been charged with child luring, and RCMP have released one of his social media handles to help identify more victims. Regina Defence-called expert says Regina chiropractor accused of sexual assault followed industry standards An expert called by Ruben Manz’s defence counsel testified the Regina-based chiropractor, who is facing several sexual assault charges, followed the industry standard of care when treating the complainants. Sask. premier says Trump tariff on products would be 'disastrous' for food security, energy, employment Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says if President-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico it would have a disastrous effect on food security and energy across North America. IN PICTURES | Here are the winners of the 2024 ExploreSask photo contest The winners of Tourism Saskatchewan's annual ExploreSask photo contest have been revealed. Kitchener Victims' families urge parole board to keep 'sadistic' killer Bernardo behind bars The mothers of two teenage girls who were tortured and murdered by Paul Bernardo made emotional pleas at a Parole Board of Canada hearing Tuesday to keep the notorious killer and rapist behind bars, as he makes his third attempt to secure a release. Police responding to barricaded person call in Kitchener There is an increased police presence in a Kitchener neighbourhood as police respond to a call about a barricaded person. INTERPOL warns Guelph Police of concerning social media post A Guelph teenager has learned to be more careful about what she posts online after one of her Snapchat stories caught the attention of INTERPOL. Saskatoon Saskatoon man hospitalized after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead A man has been taken to hospital after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead early on Tuesday. City budget adjusted to include 5.84% property tax bump The City of Saskatoon's planned property tax increase in its proposed budget has been marginally bumped up to 5.84 per cent. Saskatoon businesses prepare for possible holiday impact amid Canada Post strike As Canada Post workers mark their second week on the picket line, some Saskatoon businesses say they’ve had to adapt to disruptions in postal services during their busiest time of year. Northern Ontario Sudbury resident scammed out of $20K, suspect from southern Ont. charged A 21-year-old from southern Ontario has been charged with several offences after a victim from Greater Sudbury was tricked into giving him $20,000. Suspect in attempted murder in Cobalt, Ont., makes court appearance The 18-year-old suspect charged in a disturbing attack on his ex-girlfriend was in court Tuesday morning. Sault police issue alert about surge in grandparent scams The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service warned residents Tuesday about a surge in grandparent scams targeting local senior citizens. London Fatal crash reported south of Ingersoll A stretch of road south of Ingersoll is expected to be closed for several hours following a crash. OPP are on scene of the two-vehicle crash on Plank Line, which is closed between McBeth Road and Salford Road. Man allegedly breaks into woman’s house, stands naked with a knife beside her bed: Sarnia police Sarnia police have issued a public safety advisory in the area of Kathleen Avenue and East Street following the report of a disturbing break and enter. Victims' families urge parole board to keep 'sadistic' killer Bernardo behind bars The mothers of two teenage girls who were tortured and murdered by Paul Bernardo made emotional pleas at a Parole Board of Canada hearing Tuesday to keep the notorious killer and rapist behind bars, as he makes his third attempt to secure a release. Barrie One person seriously injured in collision with dump truck Emergency crews are at the scene of a serious collision between a dump truck and a minivan in Clearview Township. Multi-vehicle crash involving dump truck sends 3 to hospital Three people were hospitalized after police say a dump truck struck four vehicles in Newmarket on Monday afternoon. Midland murder trial enters final week with accused claiming self-defence The trial of a Midland man accused of murder in the fatal stabbing of his tenant three years ago is in its final week as the Crown and defence prepare to make their closing arguments to the jury. Windsor Two suspects wanted for pharmacy break-in Windsor police are searching for two suspects after a break-in at a pharmacy on Tecumseh Road East. Lakeshore man facing more sex assault charges after second alleged victim comes forward Essex County OPP say a Lakeshore man is facing more sexual assault charges after a second alleged victim has come forward. Amicable end proposed for former Grace Hospital site The Corporation of the City of Windsor and Fairmount Properties LLC issued a joint statement about the former Grace Hospital site near downtown Windsor. Vancouver Island B.C. premier says Canada will negotiate from 'position of strength' on US tariff British Columbia Premier David Eby says Canada must stand together and negotiate from its position on strength against plans by United States president-elect Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. B.C. teen with avian flu remains in critical care, source of infection still unknown The teenager who is infected with the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza acquired in Canada remains in critical care at BC Children’s Hospital, officials said Tuesday. Mounties seize cannabis, submachine guns in B.C. investigation Mounties say they have dismantled a large drug distribution ring in Metro Vancouver, seizing automatic weapons and hundreds of kilograms of illicit cannabis. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Lethbridge 'Let's do this': Crowsnest Pass mayor wants proposed coal mine sooner than later A mayor in southwestern Alberta is hoping for an immediate meeting with Premier Danielle Smith to discuss a coal project his community has voted in favour of being built. Nenshi says not sending voter cards due to postal strike could affect byelection Alberta Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi says a decision not to mail out voter registration cards due to the Canada Post strike could hurt turnout in a provincial byelection that's been called for a week before Christmas. Lethbridge business community concerned as Canada Post strike drags on Lethbridge businesses are starting to feel the pressure after 11 days of the Canada Post workers’ strike. The strike comes right as the Christmas shopping season is kicking into high gear. Sault Ste. Marie Sault police issue alert about surge in grandparent scams The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service warned residents Tuesday about a surge in grandparent scams targeting local senior citizens. Sault road reopens after building safely demolished A building on Queen Street East in Sault Ste. Marie is in danger of collapsing because of heavy snow. Hwy. 17 closed following fatal collision near Bruce Mines One person has been killed in a four-vehicle collision on Highway 17 east of Bruce Mines. N.L. As N.L. firm pivots, scientists say Canada's green hydrogen dreams are far-fetched A Newfoundland energy company's embrace of data centres is raising doubts about eastern Canadian hopes of harnessing the region's howling winds to supply Germany with power from green hydrogen. Canadian leads group pushing Vatican for zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy An international group led by a Canadian is in Rome this week to push the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy. Newfoundland wind-to-hydrogen company eyes data centre as international market lags A company hoping to build a multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland is eyeing other options as Canada's plans to supply Europe with green energy have not yet materialized. Local Spotlight Trailer Park Boys host Canadian premiere of new movie in Dartmouth Sunday night was a big night for the Trailer Park Boys, as Ricky, Julian and Bubbles hosted an advanced screening of their new movie in Dartmouth, N.S. Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo. From cellphones to dentures: Inside Halifax Transit’s lost and found Every single item misplaced on a bus or ferry in the Halifax Regional Municipality ends up in a small office at the Halifax Transit Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth, N.S. Torontonians identify priorities, concerns in new city survey A new public opinion survey has found that 40 per cent of Torontonians don’t feel safe, while half reported that the quality of life in the city has worsened over the last year. Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday. Beaver shot with arrow near Orillia on the road to recovery A beaver found with an arrow shot through its torso is now recovering at Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Pefferlaw, Ont. after a massive rescue effort. 'I had no idea that they even existed': Family reunites with 80-year-old letters hidden in Winnipeg home The family of a soldier who fought during the Second World War has been reunited with letters written to him 80 years ago. The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet. Video shows octopus 'hanging on for dear life' during bomb cyclone off B.C. coast Humans weren’t the only ones who struggled through the bomb cyclone that formed off the B.C. coast this week, bringing intense winds and choppy seas. Politics DEVELOPING | Trudeau confirms premiers meeting, Poilievre calls Trump tariff threat 'unjustified' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be convening a meeting of all of Canada's premiers 'this week' to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's intent to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office, if border issues aren't addressed. Canadian government suspends contracts with Boissonnault's former company The medical supply company co-founded by Liberal MP and former minister Randy Boissonnault has been suspended from bidding on or entering into contracts with the Government of Canada. Freeland says the two-month GST holiday is meant to tackle the 'vibecession' The federal government is hoping a temporary break on GST will address a 'vibecession' that has gripped Canadians, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Monday. Health Doctors say it’s fine to pee in the shower Here’s a secret that’s not really a secret — many people pee in the shower. Maybe you’re one of those people who don’t care since it’s all going down the same drain, or perhaps you’re one of those who find it unhygienic. B.C. teen with avian flu remains in critical care, source of infection still unknown The teenager who is infected with the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza acquired in Canada remains in critical care at BC Children’s Hospital, officials said Tuesday. Bird flu virus detected in raw milk in California Bird flu virus has been found in a batch of raw milk sold in California, and consumers should not drink it, the state Department of Public Health warned Sunday. Sci-Tech They thought they'd found Amelia Earhart's plane. Instead, the search continues The disappearance of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart more than 87 years ago has remained one of the most captivating mysteries in history, with a handful of explorers devoted to scouring the seas for any clue to her final whereabouts. Majority of social media influencers don't verify information before sharing it, study finds A majority of social media influencers don't verify information before sharing it with their audiences, a study published Tuesday by the UN's scientific and cultural arm found, underscoring concerns that some of the biggest online figures can uncritically spread misleading claims. Ancient Egyptians drank a heady mix of alcohol, bodily fluids and hallucinogens during rituals, scientists say Researchers have discovered the residues of psychedelic drugs, bodily fluids and alcohol inside a 2,000-year-old mug, suggesting that ancient Egyptians imbibed hallucinogenic beverages during rituals. Entertainment 'No view' tickets for Taylor Swift's Vancouver shows reselling for thousands It appears that Swifties hoping to experience the final dates of the sold-out Eras Tour in December were given another chance Monday. It's almost time for Spotify Wrapped. When can you expect your 2024 recap? It's almost that time of year: Spotify is gearing up to release its annual Wrapped, personalized recaps of users' listening habits and year in audio. Economic impact of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Vancouver estimated at $157M Tourism body Destination Vancouver says Taylor Swift will bring an estimated $157 million economic impact to the city next week with the three final concert dates of the record-breaking Eras Tour. Business Bank of Canada says Trump's proposed tariffs would impact both economies The Bank of Canada said on Tuesday that if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his threat of tariffs on Canada, it would have an impact on both economies and the central bank would incorporate those into its economic forecasts. Loonie falls to lowest since 2020 after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January. Mexico suggests it would impose its own tariffs to retaliate against any Trump tariffs President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Tuesday that Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own, after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose 25 per cent import duties on Mexican goods if the country doesn’t stop the flow of drugs and migrants across the border. Lifestyle World's oldest man dies aged 112 in England John Tinniswood, an Englishman born the same year the Titanic sank and who survived two world wars and two global pandemics, has died aged 112, Guinness World Records said on Tuesday, months after it recognized him as the world's oldest man. China's hottest new tourist attraction is 5,000 feet in the air The newest of these not-for-the-faint-of-heart structures is called Tianti (“Sky Ladder” in Chinese). It clocks in at 168 metres and stretches between two cliffs at a height of 5,000 feet, according to Chinese state media. Dictionary.com has named its word of the year, and it isn't 'brat' In an announcement Monday, Dictionary.com said one word experienced a 'meteoric rise in usage' in 2024. Sports NBA legend Charles Barkley criticizes LA Lakers over handling of Bronny James NBA legend Charles Barkley has criticized the Los Angeles Lakers over their handling of Bronny James this season. 'Embarrassing:' NHL team ditches bus and walks to Scotiabank Arena amid gridlock The Utah Hockey Club got the full Toronto experience Sunday night ahead of their first-ever matchup against the Maple Leafs—bumper-to-bumper traffic that forced the team to walk to the game. Vancouver Whitecaps drop head coach Vanni Sartini Two weeks after the Vancouver Whitecaps’ playoff run ended in the first round, the team has fired head coach Vanni Sartini. Autos Ontario woman buys van with odometer rolled back almost 100,000 kilometres An Ontario woman thought she got a good deal when she bought a van for $2,700, but later learned the odometer had been rolled back nearly 100,000 kilometres. Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles recalled in Canada over power loss risk Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are being recalled in Canada over a potential power loss issue that can increase the risk of a crash. Northvolt says Quebec battery plant will proceed despite bankruptcy filing Northvolt AB has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, but said the move will not jeopardize the manufacturer's planned electric vehicle battery plant in Quebec — though hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars invested in the parent company could be lost. Stay Connected

Trump's threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for relief

If you’re a Hallmarkie, you know that Andrew Walker is one of the faces of the channel. And what a face it is. It’s like The CW used an AI lab to create a leading man made of the best parts of Glen Powell , Ryan Eggold , and a young Clint Eastwood . It’s insulting really, how he just walks around with that thing out in the open, making the rest of us normies look like something out of Middle Earth. Thankfully, Walker is one of the authentically good ones. Humble, engaging, totally Canadian, and a dang workhorse. The Montreal-born actor-producer has shot six movies for Hallmark this year, including Countdown to Christmas’s Jingle Bell Run and Three Wiser Men and a Boy ! On top of that, he’s also a husband, father of two sons, and an entrepreneur, having co-founded the SkinMason skincare line ... which is clearly working, since there are zero signs of fatigue on his matinee-idol mug. “Obviously I use skincare on a daily basis, and when I wrap from set, I’m always washing my face off,” he explains of the inspiration behind SkinMason. “I have used very abrasive products that have given me skin [issues], I’ve broken out, I’ve had rashes. I used to have these little alcohol wipes to take the rest of my makeup off.” During a dinner with his friend Dr. Hussein Kanji, a heart and lung surgeon who’s “always working with different types of products for [organ] detoxification and antioxidants,” the two agreed to partner on a product line. SkinMason “He had an idea for a very simple yet effective skincare brand, ideally targeted to men to start with, because the women’s space is so massive...but women and men can use the same skincare,” Walker continues. “And I said I’d love to venture into this, first off, because my wife [Cassandra] always scolded me for using way too much of her expensive skincare products—I don’t know what to use! It’s like, there’s so many products out there.” Two years later, Walker and Kanji had the first two core products of the line, exfoliating wipes and a serum, which were soon followed by their new moisturizer. “We don’t even call it a moisturizer. It’s a bioactive cream.” Noting that Jean Carruthers, the co-innovator of Botox, has endorsed all of their products, Walker explains that their formula boasts retinoid, Vitamins C, and phospholipids that rebuild collagen. The SkinMason site is having a 40 percent off Black Friday sale and you can order each item individually or as a set, with a VIP subscription for regular refill orders at a 10 percent discount. Better yet, he laughs, “My wife has now turned on to using my products!” Andrew Walker / Instagram Speaking of his wife, how do the Walkers plan to spend the holidays? “With family,” he immediately offers. “We moved up to Vancouver for a year and it’s been amazing. It’s been quiet because we live next to a forest. So the holidays this year are just going to be family and trying to take a moment to put away the phones, put away technology, and just focus my time on my kids and my wife and each other.” Now that is a good look for everyone. Three Wiser Men and a Boy & Jingle Bell Run , Streaming Now, Hallmark+ More Headlines:

Tributes have flooded in across the boxing world after Genadij Krajevskij passed away aged 37. Krajevskij fought and lost against Tommy Fury in two rounds back in November 2020. The Lithuanian journeyman was a well-liked figure during his eight-year professional career. Reacting to the news of his passing, the British Boxing Board of Control's Midlands Area Council wrote: "We would like to pass our condolences and thoughts to Genadij Krakevskij’s family and friends at this time. "The Baltic Bomber graced the away corner in the midlands area on numerous occasions. He was always a delight to be around in and out of the ring." VIPBoxing Promotions said they received the news of Krakevskij's death with "deep sorrow". They added: "We had the honour of featuring him in the VIP Shows on multiple occasions." Known as the 'Baltic Bomber', Krakevskij fought all across England in his 76-bout career. He most recently took on Levi Vaughan in Birmingham back in August. Writing on social media, one boxing fan wrote: "Terrible sad news. RIP Genadij Krakevskij a true warrior, and a lovely fella." Stockbridge Amateur Boxing Club wrote: "RIP to a proper fighter." While he was not successful inside the ring, losing his 75 of his 76 fights, Krakevskij made a real impression in the sport. He was renowned for his personality outside of the ring. Boxing MC Phil Seymour described Krakevskij as a "great presence at fight shows up and down the country". His one victory came against Ryan Broten and promoter VIP Shows tweeted a clip of his reaction after getting the decision. They wrote: "We had the honour of featuring him in the VIP Shows on multiple occasions. Our videographer, Lee Hogan, was fortunate enough to capture his sole professional victory during his 68th fight on a Frank Duffin show. "This moment was incredibly significant for him, as he conveyed the message 'Never give up' to the camera. Rest in peace, Baltic Bomber."Bowls miss out in 4 CFP teams in latest postseason twist

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking move, Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Lucky Eagle Casio & Hotel have announced a strategic enterprise partnership that will revolutionize the gaming and hospitality industry in the Washington market, setting the stage for a dynamic synergy between technology and hospitality. The software deployment has been completed and training will begin soon. The state-of-the-art platform is expected to enhance operations, optimize service and ensure guests have an unparalleled experience. JaNessa Bumgarner, CEO of Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "We at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is a game-changer, and we believe it will not only streamline our operations but also elevate the level of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI's innovative solutions, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Washington market. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence and innovation." Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, echoed this sentiment, expressing his satisfaction with the newly formed partnership, "At QCI, we value partnerships that are built on mutual respect, shared vision, and commitment. Our collaboration with Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is the epitome of such a relationship. We've been deeply impressed by the Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel team, their passion for excellence, and their unwavering dedication to enhancing guest experiences. I'm proud and excited about the journey ahead and confident that together, we'll set new standards in the Washington market." ABOUT Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is proudly owned and operated by The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. The Chehalis Tribe is a vital community with rich cultural traditions that have endured for centuries. They honor their proud history and advance their vision by expanding business opportunities, educational resources and healthcare and outreach services. Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is an award winning casino resort located in Rochester, Washington. We offer the newest in slots, table games, bingo, sportsbook, pet friendly hotel, award winning restaurants and much more! To learn more about us, please visit our website luckyeagle.com . ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 175 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com . About Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Contact: Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence Phone: 858-349-8354Anthony hits winning layup with 1.3 seconds left, Magic complete 17-point rally to beat Nets 102-101

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7”, which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. The S&P 500 fell 66.75 points, or 1.1%, to 5,970.84. Roughly 90% of stocks in the benchmark index lost ground, but it managed to hold onto a modest gain of 0.7% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 333.59 points, or 0.8%, to 42,992.21. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 298.33 points, or 1.5%, to 19,722.03. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.1%. Microsoft declined 1.7%. Each has a market value above $3 trillion, giving the companies outsized sway on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.5% and Best Buy slipped 1.5%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of less than 0.1% as crude oil prices rose. “There’s just some uncertainty over this relief rally we’ve witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns the combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury remained at 4.33% from late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!General Election: Should migrants get the right to vote?

Former Texas Coach Mack Brown Fired by North Carolina on Tuesday

Jean Mensa Reaffirms Electoral Commission’s Commitment to Upholding the Will of the PeopleChinese firms boost investments in key sectors: PCJCCI

Trump taps forceful ally of hard-line immigration policies to head Customs and Border Protection

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Strome scored with 2:36 remaining as the Anaheim Ducks rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second period to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 on Sunday. Strome’s goal, his sixth of the season, originally wasn’t called, but it was reversed after a review. Strome’s shot was entirely over the goal line before Edmonton goalie Calvin Pickard could stop it with his skate. Mason McTavish added an empty-net goal. It is the first time since March 30, 2019, the Ducks have defeated the Oilers by more than one goal. Cutter Gauthier, McTavish and Robby Fabbri each had a goal and an assist. Drew Helleson also scored for Anaheim, which snapped a seven-game losing streak to Edmonton. Lukas Dostal made 20 saves. Leon Draisaitl had two goals and Connor McDavid two assists for the Oilers, who were 3-0-1 in their past four. Evan Bouchard also tallied a goal and Pickard stopped 27 shots. Takeaways Oilers: Draisaitl became the fourth player with at least 120 regular-season points in the calendar year. The forward has 50 goals and 71 assists in 2024. The last calendar year to feature as many NHL skaters with 120-plus points was 1993. Ducks: Anaheim had a 32-23 advantage in shots on goal and has won four of its last seven. Key moment Fabbri tied it at 3-all with 2:27 remaining on a snap shot from the right faceoff circle after getting the pass from McTavish. Fabbri has seven points (three goals, four assists) in eight games since returning from a knee injury. Key stat McDavid has a 14-game point streak against the Ducks (11 goals, 23 assists). The only teams he has a longer active point streak against are Nashville and New Jersey at 15 games. Up Next Both teams have home games on Tuesday. The Oilers face Utah while the Ducks take on New Jersey. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Donald Trump Accuses Democrats of Breaking the Law with Beyoncé and Oprah

NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Shares of Facebook-owner Meta Platforms (META.O) , opens new tab hit a record high on Friday after a U.S. appeals court upheld a law requiring China-based ByteDance to divest its popular short video app TikTok by early next year or face a ban. The decision is a devastating blow to ByteDance, whose social media app is used by 170 million Americans. It affirmed a law, which was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed by President Joe Biden , that gives the U.S. government sweeping powers to ban other foreign-owned apps that could raise concerns about collection of Americans' data. TikTok and ByteDance had argued that the law is unconstitutional and violates Americans' free speech rights. Meta Platforms shares rose to an all-time record high of $629.78, and were last up 2.7% at $625.37. Meta's social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, compete with TikTok for users and advertising. Shares of Alphabet (GOOGL.O) , opens new tab , which owns YouTube and the dominant Google search engine and also competes in online ads, were up 1.1% at $174.68. Trump Media & Technology (DJT.O) , opens new tab , which operates the Truth Social social media platform and is majority-owned by President-elect Donald Trump , rose 3.4% to $34.89. The appeals court ruling is likely to be appealed to the full appeals court panel or the U.S. Supreme Court by ByteDance and TikTok. Sign up here. Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Chibuike reports on Breaking News, with a focus on finance and markets. He previously covered U.S. private equity firms, and holds master's degrees in journalism from New York University and Edinburgh Napier University.Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel installs Quick Custom Intelligence’s Enterprise PlatformKULR Technology ( KULR -2.92% ) , a provider of energy storage solutions, saw its stock rally about 1,610% over the past two months. It had been languishing as a penny stock since early 2023, but it abruptly skyrocketed and transformed into a hypergrowth stock after it secured new contracts, regained compliance with the NYSE American's listing standards, and made a big Bitcoin purchase to launch its own Bitcoin treasury. But should you buy, sell, or hold KULR's stock after that breathtaking rally? Let's review its business model, growth rates, valuations, and potential catalysts to decide. What does KULR Technology do? KULR develops energy storage solutions for the aerospace and defense industries. Its integrated products dissipate the heat of lithium-ion batteries with thermal interface materials, lightweight heat exchangers, and other safeguards against runaway heating. Its solutions can be customized across a wide range of power and electronic configurations, which makes them ideal for tiny spaces with size and weight limitations. KULR was founded in 2013, and it initially developed fiber-based thermal management technologies for NASA and other aerospace applications. Those heat-dissipating technologies became the foundation of its current business, and it went public as an over-the-counter (OTC) stock in 2018 before being uplisted to the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. How fast has KULR been growing? KULR's revenue rose 285% to $2.4 million in 2021, 66% to $4 million in 2022, and 146% to $9.8 million in 2023. That expansion was driven by its growing list of partners and customers, which includes SpaceX, Tesla , Meta Platforms , Boeing , and General Motors . Over the past three months, KULR expanded its existing U.S. Army battery contract, signed a new high-temperature battery-testing contract with the U.S. Navy, won a defense contract for a major missile program, and announced a plan to launch its KULR ONE Space (K1S) battery to a satellite via SpaceX's rideshare program in 2026. Analysts expect KULR's revenue to only grow 4% to $10.2 million in 2024, but they expect that figure to grow at a two-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 123% to $50.8 million in 2026 as it recognizes more revenue from its contracts. They also expect it to narrow its net losses and squeeze out a net profit of $2.9 million in 2026. As KULR scales up its business, it plans to spend 90% of its surplus cash on Bitcoin purchases to build up a Bitcoin treasury. It recently made its first purchase of 217.18 Bitcoins for $21 million at an average price of $96,556.53. That strategy seems similar to MicroStrategy 's Bitcoin buying frenzy over the past four years, but MicroStrategy holds a lot more Bitcoin ($11.9 billion) as of Nov. 10 with a much lower average purchase price of $42,692. Can KULR justify its meme stock valuations? The bulls claim that KULR has carved out a defensible niche and can continue to scale up its energy solutions business as it accumulates more Bitcoin. The bears will point out that with an enterprise value of $1.15 billion, KULR is overvalued at 115 times this year's sales and 23 times its projected sales for 2026. They'll also point out KULR has increased its number of shares by 164% over the past five years, yet its insiders sold more than 50% as many shares as they sold over the past 12 months. They also didn't buy a single share over the past three months. So for now, KULR looks more like a meme stock than a sustainable growth stock. It's generating quite a buzz with its thermal technology, expanding customer base, and Bitcoin purchases, but it simply isn't bringing in enough revenue to support its sky-high valuations. Therefore, it's smarter to sell KULR's stock than to buy a new position or hold it in anticipation of bigger gains.