Blame it on the food and drink?After telling Canadians that New Democrats would back Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's holiday affordability package and help pass it quickly, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh now wants it split up, as he's only ready to support part of it. Last Thursday, Trudeau announced a $6.3-billion affordability package that included a two-month tax reprieve on a slate of items, from some essentials to common stocking stuffers, starting in mid-December and running through mid-February, as well as a new one-time benefit payment of $250 for 18.7 million workers, which would roll out in April. Later that day, Singh said New Democrats were behind the proposal and would give the minority Liberals the votes they needed to expedite the package through an otherwise-stalled Parliament. Now, after reading more specifics, Singh wants changes, as he's concerned that too many Canadians were left out of the workers' benefit. "We know that Canadians need a break... but we learned on Friday that the cheques are being excluded from some of the most vulnerable Canadians," Singh said. "From seniors, from people living with disabilities, and from students." "It is a slap in the face," he added. He is now calling on the Liberals to "fix" the benefit to include more Canadians — who he "assumed" would qualify for it — while maintaining his support for passing the GST holiday into law. "We're saying, ‘Let's move ahead on the GST holiday right away, we can get that done this week’... but the Liberals right now need to fix the cheques," he said. Singh, who was briefed on the announcement before it was made, would not say if his calls for expanding the benefit cheques would be an ultimatum or a deal-breaker when it comes to supporting the package overall. "We need some clarity from the Liberals," he said. "We're more concerned about what's not in the bill." Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed Monday that the government quietly tabled draft legislation on Friday outlining how they'd enact these measures, "so that MPs from other parties would have a chance to see what we are proposing." She said the Liberals were having "energetic conversations with other parties about these measures." The actual bill, or bills to advance the tax break and $250 workers' benefit in Parliament, have yet to be presented. Freeland asserted Monday that both affordability-focused offerings will not be extended and will remain temporary — as billed — should they pass and become a reality. Bloc pans Liberals for 'suddenly' having billions to spend Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet told reporters on Parliament Hill Monday that his party will not support the proposal, unless the benefit portion is expanded to include seniors and retired Canadians. In September, Blanchet gave the Liberals an ultimatum, calling on them to help pass a boost to Old Age Security payments if they wanted Bloc support on confidence votes going forward. The federal government dismissed the measure as insufficiently targeted and too expensive, at a cost of about $3 billion. Now, Blanchet says he will not support the Canada Workers Benefit for the same reason. “The government said it doesn't have $3 billion, and suddenly it has $6 billion,” he said in French. The GST and HST holiday is estimated to cost $1.6 billion, while the cheques heading to Canadians who made $150,000 or less last year, is set to cost $4.7 billion. Blanchet said he was "fascinated" at the NDP’s initial support of the Liberal plan, and criticized the procedural hoops through which MPs may have to jump to get the bill passed. "My problem with this, is that the people who need the most this money, are not the people who will receive access to this money," Blanchet said in English. In an interview on CTV News Channel's Power Play on Monday, Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the Liberals are "certainly open to working with the opposition parties," to find a path forward. "We cannot do anything for Canadians unless another opposition party supports us... We'll obviously need to have a conversation with the NDP and other opposition parties," he told host Vassy Kapelos. Last week, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the proposed tax relief measures a "two-month temporary tax trick," and said he wanted to see the legislative specifics and speak with his caucus this week, before announcing if they'd support it. Today in question period, Poilievre said Singh is "giving Canadians whiplash with his latest flip flop and the flop on the flip." Filibuster persists amid acrimony This holiday relief package was seen as a potential way for the Liberals to secure the NDP's support in helping break what's now been a several-weeks-long stalemate in the House of Commons, even temporarily. Now, that prospect appears to also be in question, with no end in sight to the Conservative-led filibuster of a privilege debate that's persisted since September. When asked Monday, Singh was unable to clarify where things stood procedurally, after vowing last week his party would get behind a programming motion to expedite the passage of the package through all stages within one sitting, before resuming the standoff. MPs have been seized with a discussion about their work being impeded by Trudeau's government not turning over documents related to misspending by a now-defunct green technology fund. Addressing an issue that had been simmering for months, House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus ruled on Sept. 26 that the Liberals did not fully comply with a House order seeking materials related to a Sustainable Development Technology Canada program the Conservatives are calling a "green slush fund." This opened the ability for the Official Opposition to demand the Liberals hand over unredacted copies to the RCMP and advance a priority motion to — as the House Speaker suggested, given the extraordinary circumstances — have the issue studied at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee. Deliberations on the proposal take precedence over most other House business and have essentially seized the Commons since. "Parliament is not functioning right now," Freeland said Monday. "We're in a minority in Parliament. We do not control it." The Liberals have taken the stance that passing this paperwork on to police would set a dangerous precedent and be an abuse of Parliament's power. Last week, another tranche of 29,000 pages was turned over, but with redactions. This was not enough to satisfy the Conservatives, who keep talking out the clock, preventing the motion from coming to a vote. They stated that if the government wants to get back to business, they need to be transparent. And, waiting in the wings, is a second privilege motion seeking to find Liberal MP and former minister Randy Boissonnault’s ex-business partner in contempt of Parliament, which would also have to be disposed of in order for ordinary order of business to resume. Speaker warns of nearing deadlines Beyond preventing government legislation from advancing, the procedural standoff is having knock-on effects on other key elements of parliamentary business. Specifically, the House of Commons is cutting it close when it comes to having time to deal with the supplementary estimates, and the remaining "supply" days — or opposition days, as they're more commonly called. Last Thursday, Speaker Fergus warned MPs that the rules do require them to make certain financial approvals and deal with related business within the next few weeks, and implored parliamentarians to find a path forward. This means both Treasury Board President Anita Anand's recently tabled supplementary estimates — which seeks to have MP sign off on additional spending for certain departments and programs for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 — as well as the outstanding opposition days, need to be delt with by Dec. 10. "As we get closer to the end of the current supply period, the chair wishes to encourage the House leaders to keep these various principles in mind," Fergus said. " I am confident that they can find ways to reconcile these important responsibilities." There are four outstanding opposition days to be called in the current supply cycle. These allotted days are designed to allow opposition parties to "present its grievances." Without approval to flow funds, some federal agencies could face a financial shortfall and could lead to a U.S.-style shutdown in the spring if the standoff persisted. Some parliamentary observers have speculated that a prolonged inability for the government to pass spending measures could in effect signal they've lost the confidence needed to keep this Parliament alive. With files from CTV News' Spencer Van Dyk
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This past (Cruel) Summer, I had the time of my life with Taylor Swift at her record-breaking Eras Tour. Her second night at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh was my first time at a Taylor Swift concert since discovering her music in 2008, and the whole experience was incredibly surreal and one of the best concerts I've ever been to. I cannot deny, though, that the way the Eras Tour has caused Swift Mania to take over has left me feeling conflicted about how much we idolize celebrities like Taylor Swift, and choose to love them unabashedly without room for nuance. While I enjoy identifying as a fan, I'm reluctant to throw myself into it so wholeheartedly without pause for critical thought. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Alice’s Version) There’s nothing quite like live music, particularly pop concerts where the atmosphere is typically one of warmth and acceptance. You unlock a secret layer of euphoria and camaraderie, screaming along to lyrics about terrible exes; drawing eyeliner “sharp enough to kill a man”; exchanging friendship bracelets , and waiting with bated breath to see which surprise song Taylor will play . I had an amazing time singing every last lyric to my favorite song “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” with my whole chest, and attempting to nail all the dance moves from the Reputation era. I loved pulling on my cowboy boots, and lived for seeing two of my favorite acts Paramore and Taylor Swift back-to-back like my own personalized music festival. I was one of hundreds of thousands of fans turning out to the Eras Tour to help Taylor break record after record, so I get why it’s difficult not to feel swept up in the feeling that Taylor is some divine, untouchable being. It’s important to remember, though, that Taylor Swift is in fact a multifaceted, flawed human being. Perhaps more importantly, 'Taylor Swift' is also a brand and a business. And there are areas of that business model that leave me feeling icky. I can't help but think about the yet-to-be-revealed final figures this tour will make. Predicted to have grossed more than $1.93 billion for 121 of the 149 total Eras Tour stops according to Forbes , that is over four times the amount earned when Taylor last toured in 2018. Although there were 96 more dates on the Eras Tour than her Reputation Tour (which had 53 dates total), when you take into consideration Forbes' report of the 56 shows Taylor put on in 2023, the Eras Tour grossed $780 million, an increase of 125% from the Reputation Tour’s box office total of $345.7 million. In fact, based on ticket value alone, you can quite literally see Taylor’s popularity grow. In my experience, though, ticket price increases from tour to tour happens with most artists. Partly because of inflation, but also because of a 34% spike in cost since the pandemic . CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News We also can't forget that the Eras Tour was unlike any other, encompassing her entire discography with a setlist that ran for more than 3.5 hours – at least double the time of most headline sets. In this sense, I found it fairly easy to justify the £171.96 I spent on my ticket to Murrayfield (coming under the average ticket price of £206 Barclays reported UK fans would pay). That's alongside the cost of travel and accommodation, food, and an era conforming outfit, of course. In many ways, it was a once in a lifetime experience for me. It was expensive, but for me it was worth it. The problem I have is with the Taylor Swift business model, which always wants more. Take the Midnights clock for instance. Four different versions of the album were released, as well as the components to build an actual clock – the only difference being the covers pieced together to make a clock face. And it wasn't just Midnights. Every release since has come in a variety of vinyl color pressings and "collectable" album covers. The Tortured Poets Department famously offered different exclusive tracks depending on which iteration you chose, with fans obviously wishing to hear every song, encouraging the need to buy more and more. And it's not dissimilar fans spending more than £400 on VIP packages . In the UK, the pitch around the stage was general admission. No seats, unlike in the States. That meant VIP ticket holders got early admission, but those with regular GA could still elbow their way to the front having paid half the price. However, while there was plenty of issues with Ticketmaster , particularly in the US, Taylor Swift can be given some credit in her stance not to utilize dynamic pricing as fans entered The Great War of getting Eras Tour tickets. It's capitalism and over-consumption to the highest degree, but I also appreciate people can spend their money how they like. It just concerns me that while she has fans of all ages, the rise of Swift Mania has captured the attention of a new and also younger audience who may be more impressionable and feel the pressure buy more merch in order to support a woman who, let's face it, doesn't need any more money. Taylor isn't forcing us to spend our money, but it cannot be denied she know what she puts down her fans will almost certainly pick up. In the same breath, Taylor’s male equivalents are not bombarded with the same level of scrutiny, and I am reluctant to tear down a woman who is clearly very, very good at what she does, both as a musician and as a businesswoman. Did I mention I feel very conflicted about all of this? OK, But Is Taylor Swift Actually Patti Smith? The last few years haven't just seen Taylor Swift grow in popularity and net worth, but in critical engagement. Numerous college courses around the world task students with dissecting her discography. In the titular song on her album The Tortured Poets Department , Taylor Swift famously wrote “You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith,” – but is that true? I mean, obviously she's not the pop punk artist who rose to fame in the 1970s. But is she worthy of the same literary intellectual treatment we give to artists like Patti Smith? Or is this another sign of celebrity gone too far? Dr. Clio Doyle runs a 150 hour module at Queen Mary University of London called “Taylor Swift and Literature”, which asks the question: Is the work of Taylor Swift literature? When I spoke to Dr. Doyle, of course there was no straight answer to that question – you’d have to take the course to decide for yourself. Asking what it is about Taylor Swift that makes her so widely resonant and worthy of critical investigation compared to her peers, though, Dr. Doyle said: I think Swift's work is formally interesting, especially in the way she chooses her words and repeats the same words and metaphors with small differences over time. They also spoke of the sheer breadth of Swift’s body of work, comparing it to that of William Shakespeare: If you think about it, if there was only one extant play by Shakespeare, it wouldn't be as much fun to study him because you couldn't draw so many connections between the plays and watch how his style changed over time, and Swift has gotten to the point where there is enough of her work to really engage with. Dr. Doyle also presented me with an interesting idea: while their course isn’t commenting on whether Swift’s work is good or not as a fan might, it's fair to say fans and naysayers alike spend a lot of time closely analyzing Taylor's body of work in the same vein one might in a literature classroom, sharing their interpretations. Here Taylor is simply a mechanism in which to invite discussion and critique into what makes a body of work literature. I want to encourage fans to engage critically with both Taylor Swift the person and Taylor Swift the brand, in the way they engage with her lyrics, but perhaps prestigious institutions weighing in on pop culture goes some way to provide that. My remaining thought is simply: I wonder if a woman of Taylor Swift’s privilege is the only individual in her industry deserving of study, or if there are other individuals from less represented backgrounds that could also assist in the never-ending discussion of what makes something literature? Much like dynamic pricing, are courses like Dr. Doyle's meeting a demand and, in turn, pandering to a trend in which we put too much importance on celebrities, or is it actually a clever way of keeping the curriculum fresh and relevant? Taylor Swift Is Doing It For “Childless Cat Ladies” Everywhere So what is stopping me from hightailing it out of Swift Mania in a Getaway Car given all my Bad Blood about Taylor Swift's business model and position in the zeitgeist? The reality is that there are very few similarities between Taylor Swift and I. I am not a prolific singer-songwriter. I was not a gutsy eleven-year-old who flew to Nashville to deliver demo tapes to record labels. And yet I somehow feel validated by her existence and her experiences. When she signed off a politically charged Instagram post with ‘Childless Cat Lady’, it dawned on me that Taylor Swift is a symbol for empowered, independent women. A woman in her thirties, Taylor isn’t yet married, she doesn’t have kids, and she loves cats. And that couldn’t be more validating for someone like me who is single, surrounded by friends and family who are married with children – and who also loves cats. A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) A photo posted by on That isn’t to say those women in my life don’t also have killer careers and are in any way lesser for walking a more traditional path. Equally, none of this is to say I don’t want those things, because I do. But this is also where Taylor Swift and I align. While Taylor has dated a bunch, and alluded to “paper rings” and not feeling good enough to be someone’s wife, there are also lyrics like “He wanted a bride, I was making my own name,” that suggest a woman not prepared to dim her light for the sake of settling down into a perceived fairytale ending. In a world that often feels made for two, incredibly successful women like Taylor Swift remind me I’m capable of excitement and fulfilment with or without those things. Probably, there are other less celebrated, equally talented women out there doing the same thing, but I don't think it's wrong to find a piece of myself in that to cling onto. If nothing else, it encourages me that I, too, can make loving cats my whole personality. Is Taylor Swift Ruining Our Lives? I think sometimes in the world of fandom, there is a pressure to love without reservation otherwise you're not a true fan. When it comes to music, the artists I gravitate towards most are those who write their own songs and pen lyrics that feel painfully familiar, so yeah I’m a big fan of Taylor Swift’s. But there are things about her that I don’t necessarily agree with: the constant streams of merchandise, certain legal action taken, and maybe the fact she doesn't often speak out about sociopolitical matters. She is hugely influential, as evident by her ability to get more than 400,000 people to sign up and vote in the latest presidential election. Part of me wishes she would use her platform to speak out more about issues going on around the world. That said, it feels like a sad state of affairs when we need celebrities and individuals with big platforms to be the ones to make us care about important issues. Equally, beyond the ideals we pin on Taylor Swift and other celebrities, there’s no certainty that our beliefs will always align with hers. As quickly as we may want her to speak out, we may just as fast wish she’d never bothered. Who’s to say? We want the celebrities we love to have beliefs that align with ours. We want them to meet our expectations, and sometimes they just won't. I think it's fun and joyful to be a fan of something or someone, and I can't wait to see what Taylor Swift will do next . But here's your reminder that two things can be true at once: you can enjoy someone but that doesn't mean you have to agree with everything that they do. I love being a fangirl, but I also feel that part of being deeply engaged with an artist is engaging with their flaws, too.Jharkhand Assembly Elections: CSDS-Lokniti SurveyKyKy Tandy, FAU close out Oklahoma State in Charleston
SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spaid, an emerging leader in the Geospatial AI sector, will attend CES early next year, 2025, to unveil the foundational solutions behind its CES 2025 Innovation Award-winning "AI2RE: Image to 3D Geospatial AI Metaverse" and showcase a demo of the "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Information Platform," which is scheduled for release in 2025. AI Technology to Overcome Initial Accessibility Challenges in 3D Cadastral Mapping Using Only Aerial Imagery The award-winning "AI2RE" leverages a proprietary AI engine to extract 2D (vector) lines exclusively from aerial imagery, including satellite and drone capture. Based on these extracted vectors, this technology supports 3D models such as terrains, buildings, and roads. This technology addresses initial accessibility challenges in 3D cadastral mapping—such as data loss and compatibility issues—using only aerial imagery. Doing so contributes to providing reliable and stable 3D geospatial information to government agencies and enterprises. The technology is currently being utilized in projects related to the European Union (EU)'s Data Governance and Utilization Strategy, showcasing a remarkable improvement in cadastral mapping efficiency—from 6 months per person to just 5 days per person. Furthermore, business discussions are ongoing with South American and African countries, expanding its global reach. OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform At CES, Spaid will unveil its first-ever OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform. This innovative platform allows users to receive personalized geospatial data card recommendations through the OpenAI agent. By simply dragging and dropping these cards, users can intuitively visualize and analyze data in a 3D map viewer without the need for additional tools or software. Spaid is progressively advancing the digital twin transformation of the world within its geospatial data platform using a data-driven approach. This roadmap aims to create a metaverse that can be effectively utilized in real-world industries. Spaid at CES 2025 Spaid's booth will be located at LVCC South Hall 2 (35726), where visitors can experience the cutting-edge "AI2RE: Image to 3D Geospatial AI Metaverse" solutions and the innovative "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform (Geo Data Platform)." For the award-winning AI2RE, attendees can dive into ongoing projects that demonstrate the full workflow—object detection, 2D line extraction, and 3D model generation—with a single click. In addition, the "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform" will feature an interactive demo designed specifically for CES. Visitors can engage with geospatial data cards for San Francisco by simply dragging and dropping them to visualize the data in 3D, showcasing the platform's intuitive and user-friendly capabilities. Chongkul Yi, CEO of Spaid, said, "We are incredibly proud to have our 'One of a Kind' innovative AI Engine recognized by the CES Innovation Award." He added, "At CES 2025, we aim to showcase the excellence of our cutting-edge Geospatial AI solutions and the data-driven metaverse platform, accelerating our efforts to expand into the global market." About Spaid SPAID pursues being "one of a Kind." It aims to bridge the gap between the physical and digital environments by leveraging all live streaming information and data to maximize usability. We specialize in providing geospatial AI-based solutions that enable synergetic decision-making by deriving new insights through a fusion network of diverse data sources provided by public agencies and enterprises. Our solutions empower clients across industries by facilitating smart decision-making in smart city and smart factory digital twin operations, defense simulations, real estate location value analysis, building energy management, financial investment and risk management, and telecom network resource management. SPAID aims to drive transformative progress across various industries through these innovative solutions, contributing to sustainable development and fostering long-term growth. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spaid-winner-of-ces-innovation-awards-for-redefining-the-future-of-geospatial-with-ai-to-unveil-ai-solution-and-openai-platform-at-ces-2025-302339321.html SOURCE Spaid
Ottawa police have located and arrested a 23-year-old man wanted in connection with a shooting in the Mooney's Bay area last week that critically injured a woman. Police responded to the shooting Dec. 3 in the 2800-block of Riverside Drive, just south of Heron Road. Ottawa paramedics said a woman was treated at the scene and transported to hospital in critical condition. An update provided last week by police said her injuries were not considered life-threatening. Police had been seeking public assistance in finding Ibrahim Abdullani of Ottawa in connection with the shooting. On Wednesday, police announced he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and multiple firearms-related offences. He appeared in court on Wednesday. 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. 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Doctors Manitoba warns of emergency room closures over holidays Doctors Manitoba is warning Manitobans that emergency rooms in rural and northern parts of the province might not be open when they need them. Calgary Several guns seized during searches of Calgary homes, vehicles: police A Calgary man is facing charges after police seized multiple guns during searches of vehicles and homes in south Calgary. Woman in life-threatening condition after being found on N.E. Calgary pathway A woman was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition after being found on the Nose Creek Pathway in northeast Calgary. 'Strong faith and strong beliefs': Calgarians remember former Bishop Fred Henry at memorial service Hundreds attended the funeral of former Calgary Bishop Fred Henry on Tuesday as many remembered his impactful contributions to the Catholic community, his comedic personality and his outspoken views. Edmonton Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct. Memorial to be held by first responders for Edmonton security guard slain on the job A group that represents first responders in Alberta says it plans to honour a security guard who was killed on the job in Edmonton last week. Man convicted in 2013 beating death of Ivan Stamp Edward Steven Robinson, 34, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday – more than 11 years after he beat Ivan Stamp to death in 2013. Regina 'Creatively incredible': Regina raised talent featured in 'Wicked' film A background dancer from Saskatchewan was featured in the movie adaptation of Wicked, which has seen significant success at the box office. 'Great for a child': Roughrider Foundation kicks off holiday fundraising campaign The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation kicked off their annual Rider Reading program Tuesday. Second ammonia leak delays reopening of Weyburn's Crescent Point Place and arena The City of Weyburn has revealed that Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena will remain closed – following a second ammonia leak in the facility's ice plant chiller. Saskatoon 'A pretty big hit': Sask. gun store loses $40K in inventory, following federal gun ban About $40,000 worth of guns have been removed from a Saskatoon store, following the latest federal ban. Sask. city councillor elected by 2-vote margin now faces sexual assault charge A North Battleford city councillor whose recent election victory was the subject of a recount is now facing criminal charges. Sask. couple struggles to pay for daughter's potentially lifesaving medication A Saskatchewan couple is hoping a last-resort medication can save their daughter’s life, but the treatment is expensive. Vancouver Stanley Park tree removal project to be ramped up and finished by March, say park board The Vancouver Park Board is speeding up its tree removal project to mitigate risks to public safety, after a particularly tempestuous autumn further damaged dead and dying trees in Stanley Park. Inmate hospitalized after assault at B.C. maximum-security prison An inmate at the only maximum-security federal prison in B.C. was hospitalized after being assaulted last week, according to officials. CBSA Pacific Region officers have seized more than 9,400 weapons so far this year Border officers in B.C. and the Yukon seized more than 9,400 weapons and related prohibited items during the first 10 months of the year, along with more than $1 million in cash and thousands of kilograms of illegal drugs. Vancouver Island Man in hospital, suspect at large after stabbing in Nanaimo, B.C. Mounties are investigating after a 50-year-old man was reportedly stabbed Tuesday morning at a park in Nanaimo, B.C. B.C. man decorates creative car with hand-painted designs and countless toys As Dennis Brandt turns the key on the lock attached to his steering wheel he starts laughing. “Seriously,” he says looking up at the collection of curiosities attached to the roof of his vehicle including a painted duck, skateboard, and pair of toy aircraft carriers. “Would anyone steal this car?!” B.C. Lions' Teuhema suspended for two games after positive drug test The CFL suspended defensive lineman Sione Teuhema of the B.C. Lions for two games Tuesday after he tested positive for a banned substance. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay ConnectedArizona’s 2025 Hunt recommendations are availible onlineAI2RE: Innovative Geospatial AI Solution SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spaid, an emerging leader in the Geospatial AI sector, will attend CES early next year, 2025, to unveil the foundational solutions behind its CES 2025 Innovation Award-winning "AI2RE: Image to 3D Geospatial AI Metaverse" and showcase a demo of the "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Information Platform," which is scheduled for release in 2025. AI Technology to Overcome Initial Accessibility Challenges in 3D Cadastral Mapping Using Only Aerial Imagery The award-winning "AI2RE" leverages a proprietary AI engine to extract 2D (vector) lines exclusively from aerial imagery, including satellite and drone capture. Based on these extracted vectors, this technology supports 3D models such as terrains, buildings, and roads. This technology addresses initial accessibility challenges in 3D cadastral mapping—such as data loss and compatibility issues—using only aerial imagery. Doing so contributes to providing reliable and stable 3D geospatial information to government agencies and enterprises. The technology is currently being utilized in projects related to the European Union (EU)'s Data Governance and Utilization Strategy, showcasing a remarkable improvement in cadastral mapping efficiency—from 6 months per person to just 5 days per person. Furthermore, business discussions are ongoing with South American and African countries, expanding its global reach. OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform At CES, Spaid will unveil its first-ever OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform. This innovative platform allows users to receive personalized geospatial data card recommendations through the OpenAI agent. By simply dragging and dropping these cards, users can intuitively visualize and analyze data in a 3D map viewer without the need for additional tools or software. Spaid is progressively advancing the digital twin transformation of the world within its geospatial data platform using a data-driven approach. This roadmap aims to create a metaverse that can be effectively utilized in real-world industries. Spaid at CES 2025 Spaid's booth will be located at LVCC South Hall 2 (35726), where visitors can experience the cutting-edge "AI2RE: Image to 3D Geospatial AI Metaverse" solutions and the innovative "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform (Geo Data Platform)." For the award-winning AI2RE, attendees can dive into ongoing projects that demonstrate the full workflow—object detection, 2D line extraction, and 3D model generation—with a single click. In addition, the "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform" will feature an interactive demo designed specifically for CES. Visitors can engage with geospatial data cards for San Francisco by simply dragging and dropping them to visualize the data in 3D, showcasing the platform's intuitive and user-friendly capabilities. Chongkul Yi, CEO of Spaid, said, "We are incredibly proud to have our 'One of a Kind' innovative AI Engine recognized by the CES Innovation Award." He added, "At CES 2025, we aim to showcase the excellence of our cutting-edge Geospatial AI solutions and the data-driven metaverse platform, accelerating our efforts to expand into the global market." About Spaid SPAID pursues being "one of a Kind." It aims to bridge the gap between the physical and digital environments by leveraging all live streaming information and data to maximize usability. We specialize in providing geospatial AI-based solutions that enable synergetic decision-making by deriving new insights through a fusion network of diverse data sources provided by public agencies and enterprises. Our solutions empower clients across industries by facilitating smart decision-making in smart city and smart factory digital twin operations, defense simulations, real estate location value analysis, building energy management, financial investment and risk management, and telecom network resource management. SPAID aims to drive transformative progress across various industries through these innovative solutions, contributing to sustainable development and fostering long-term growth. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spaid-winner-of-ces-innovation-awards-for-redefining-the-future-of-geospatial-with-ai-to-unveil-ai-solution-and-openai-platform-at-ces-2025-302339321.html SOURCE Spaid
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Apple’s Find My Friends (which is now integrated into the Find My app) lets you share your location in real time with other people. Soon, Instagram users will have access to a similar feature to share their location with friends and family right from the social network. Instagram will let users share their live location Meta announced on Monday some new features coming to Instagram direct messages, and location sharing support is one of them. The company said in a blog post that the feature aims to make it easier for people to arrange hangouts directly from their Instagram conversations. “Spend more time together, and less time coordinating,” the post reads. For privacy reasons, the location can only be shared individually by DMs or in a group chat. The feature is turned off by default and real-time location is only shared for one hour – after that, Instagram automatically ends sharing. The app will also display an indicator to show when the location is being shared. Of course, you should never share your location with people you don’t know. Unlike Apple’s Find My, there’s no option to always share your location with others on Instagram. Earlier this year, Meta confirmed that it was testing a feature similar to Snap Map to show the location of friends on a map. However, the feature has yet to be made available to users. In addition to location sharing, Instagram is also adding new sticker packs for DMs, as well as custom nicknames for people in group chats. The Instagram app for iPhone is available for free on the App Store . Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed on your device in order to get access to the latest features. Keep in mind that when it comes to the location sharing feature, Meta says it’s only available in “selected countries.” Read also Are your Instagram recommendations a mess? You can now start from scratch Threads testing option to let users choose which feed they want to see by default Meta testing Face ID-like video selfie to recover your Instagram or Facebook account Instagram might make your video look terrible if it’s not popular Threads app finally lets users watch videos in landscape Messenger adds Siri integration, AI video backgrounds, and yes, voicemail Meta announces expansion of its AI features to 21 additional countries A year later, Meta is yet to launch the promised WhatsApp for iPad
JERUSALEM — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. Israel's army later told The Associated Press it wasn't aware that the WHO chief or delegation were at the location in Yemen. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said in a statement it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, claiming they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military added it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The strikes, carried out more than 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad's regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths and showed broken windows, collapsed ceilings and a bloodstained floor and vehicle. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also targeted the Houthis in recent days. The U.N. says the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones were shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that it condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them weapons. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists worked for local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel's military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accuses six of its Gaza reporters of being militants. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Separately, Israel's military said a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities are women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. The offensive caused widespread destruction and hunger and drove around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid.San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that quarterback Brock Purdy did some light throwing without any setbacks on Monday, and his progress will be monitored throughout the week as he recovers from a right shoulder injury that kept him out of Sunday's loss against the Green Bay Packers. "We'll see how it feels on Wednesday..." Shanahan told reporters regarding Purdy's injury and his potential availability against the Buffalo Bills next weekend. "Hopefully it responds better this week than it did last week with the rest." This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .
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Willmar Utilities Commission OKs offering general manager position to Jeron SmithNORMAN, Okla. — Freshman Jeremiah Fears finished with 20 points, Duke Miles scored 19 and Oklahoma cruised to an 84-56 victory over East Texas A&M on Thursday night. Fears used 7-for-10 shooting to turn in his best scoring effort thus far for the Sooners (4-0). He was 1 for 4 from 3-point range and 5 of 6 at the free-throw line, adding five assists and four rebounds. Miles hit 7 of 13 shots with three 3-pointers. Glenn Taylor Jr. came off the bench to sink four 3-pointers and scored 16 for Oklahoma. Scooter Williams Jr., Josh Taylor and reserve TJ Thomas all scored nine to pace the Lions (1-5). Miles had 14 points in the first half and Fears scored 11 to guide the Sooners to a 38-33 lead at intermission. Taylor buried all four of his shots from distance and scored 14 in the second half to help Oklahoma double up East Texas A&M 46-23 after the break. The Sooners shot 47.5% overall and made 10 of 32 from beyond the arc (31.3%). The went 18 for 22 at the foul line. The Lions shot 37.7% from the floor, hit 7 of 32 from distance (21.9%) and 9 of 17 foul shots. Oklahoma heads to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis, playing three games in three days. The Sooners open the event on Wednesday against Providence.