HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Bryce Lindsay had 18 points in James Madison's 78-61 win against Utah Valley on Saturday night. Lindsay added five rebounds for the Dukes (6-4). Xavier Brown scored 12 points and added seven assists. AJ Smith went 4 of 6 from the field (2 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points, while adding seven rebounds and three steals. The Wolverines (4-5) were led in scoring by Osiris Grady, who finished with 12 points. Tanner Toolson added 10 points and two steals. Hayden Welling had nine points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Ruben Amorim makes first Manchester United transfer vow in clear message over new signings
The Base Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement are accessible on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR LONDON, ON , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - VersaBank VBNK VBNK (the "Bank") today announced that it has successfully completed its previously announced public offering of common shares (the "Offering") at a price to the public of US$13.25 (approximately CAD$18.95 ) per share. An aggregate of 5,660,378 common shares were sold by the Bank for gross proceeds, before underwriting discounts and offering costs, of US$75,000,009 (approximately CAD$107,287,513 ). The Bank has also granted the Underwriters (as defined below) an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the common shares sold pursuant to the Offering, which is exercisable until January 15, 2025 . The Bank expects that the net proceeds from the Offering will be used for general banking purposes and will qualify as Common Equity Tier 1 capital for the Bank. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as the sole bookrunning manager, and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company , and Roth Canada, Inc. acted as co-managers for the Offering (collectively, the "Underwriters"). The common shares were offered by way of a prospectus supplement dated December 16, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Bank's short form base shelf prospectus dated November 22, 2024 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus"), which was filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada except Quebec . The Prospectus Supplement was also filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as a supplement to the Bank's registration statement on Form F-10 (the "Registration Statement") under the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System. The Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Registration Statement contain important detailed information about the Offering. Access to the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, and any amendments to the documents will be provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a shelf prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus and any amendment thereto. The Base Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement are accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , and the Registration Statement and the Prospectus Supplement are accessible on EDGAR at www.sec.gov . An electronic or paper copy of the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus Supplement, and any amendment to the documents may be obtained without charge, from Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Attention: Equity Syndicate – 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida . Telephone: (800) 248-8863 or e-mail: prospectus@raymondjames.com by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any province, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction. All amounts expressed in Canadian dollars or "C$" have been converted from United States dollars based on the C$/US$ daily average exchange rate on December 17, 2024 (as reported by the Bank of Canada ). About VersaBank VersaBank is a North American bank (federally chartered in Canada and the United States ) with a difference. VersaBank has a branchless, digital, business-to-business model based on its proprietary state-of-the-art technology that enables it to profitably address underserved segments of the banking industry in a significantly risk mitigated manner. Because VersaBank obtains substantially all of its deposits and undertakes the majority of its lending electronically through financial intermediary partners, it benefits from significant operating leverage that drives efficiency and return on common equity. In March 2022 , VersaBank launched its unique Receivable Purchase Program ("RPP") funding solution for point-of-sale finance companies, which has been highly successful in Canada for nearly 15 years, to the underserved multi-trillion-dollar U.S. market. VersaBank also owns Washington, DC -based DRT Cyber Inc., a North America leader in the provision of cyber security services to address the rapidly growing volume of cyber threats challenging financial institutions, multi-national corporations and government entities. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") including statements regarding the proposed use of proceeds. Words such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", "aims", "endeavours", "projects", "continue", "predicts", "potential", "intends", or the negative of these terms or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "should" are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements by their nature require the Bank to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific, including without limitation with respect to: the strength of the Canadian and U.S. economies in general and the strength of the local economies within Canada and the U.S. in which the Bank conducts operations; the effects of changes in monetary and fiscal policy, including changes in interest rate policies of the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve; global commodity prices; the effects of competition in the markets in which the Bank operates; inflation; capital market fluctuations; the timely development and introduction of new products in receptive markets; the impact of changes in the laws and regulations pertaining to financial services; changes in tax laws; technological changes; unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings; unexpected changes in consumer spending and savings habits; the impact of wars or conflicts on global supply chains and markets; the impact of outbreaks of disease or illness that affect local, national or international economies; the possible effects on our business of terrorist activities; natural disasters and disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power or water supply; and the Bank's anticipation of and success in managing the risks implicated by the foregoing. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Although the Bank believes that the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and readers cannot be assured that the Offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described above. Completion of the proposed Offering is subject to numerous factors, many of which are beyond the Bank's control, including but not limited to, the failure of customary closing conditions and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in the Bank's filings with the SEC and the securities commissions or similar securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces or territories of Canada . The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent the Bank's expectations as of the date of this news release, or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made, and subsequent events may cause these expectations to change. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/versabank-completes-successful-offering-of-common-shares-302335373.html SOURCE VersaBank © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.The plan, which Russia dubbed Operation False Target, is intended to force Ukraine to expend scarce resources to save lives and preserve critical infrastructure, including by using expensive air defense munitions, according to a person familiar with Russia’s production and a Ukrainian electronics expert who hunts them from his specially outfitted van. Neither radar, sharpshooters nor even electronics experts can tell which drones are deadly in the skies. Here’s what to know from AP’s investigation: A deadly mix Unarmed decoys now make up more than half the drones targeting Ukraine and as much as 75% of the new drones coming out of the factory in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, according to the person familiar with Russia’s production, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the industry is highly sensitive, and the Ukrainian electronics expert. The same factory produces a particularly deadly variant of the Shahed unmanned aircraft armed with thermobaric warheads, the person said. During the first weekend of November, the Kyiv region spent 20 hours under air alert, and the sound of buzzing drones mingled with the boom of air defenses and rifle shots. In October, Moscow attacked with at least 1,889 drones — 80% more than in August, according to an AP analysis tracking the drones for months. Russia launched 145 drones Nov. 16 across Ukraine, just days after the reelection of Donald Trump threw into doubt U.S. support for the country. Since summer, most drones crash, are shot down or are diverted by electronic jamming, according to an AP analysis of the Ukrainian military briefings. Fewer than 6% hit a discernible target, according to the data analyzed by AP since the end of July. But the sheer numbers mean a handful can slip through every day — and that is enough to be deadly. The drone lab Tatarstan’s Alabuga zone, an industrial complex about 600 miles east of Moscow, is a laboratory for Russian drone production. Originally set up in 2006 to attract businesses and investment to Tatarstan, it expanded after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and some sectors switched to military production, according to satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press. In social media videos, the factory promoted itself as an innovation hub. But David Albright of the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security said Alabuga’s current purpose is purely to produce and sell drones to Russia’s Ministry of Defense. The videos and other promotional media were taken down after an AP investigation found that many of the African women recruited to fill labor shortages there complained they were duped into taking jobs at the plant. Russia and Iran signed a $1.7 billion deal for the Shaheds in 2022 after President Vladimir Putin invaded neighboring Ukraine, and Moscow began using Iranian imports of the unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, in battle later that year. Soon after the deal was signed, production started in Alabuga. The most fearsome Shahed adaptation so far designed at the plant is armed with thermobarics, also known as vacuum bombs, the person with knowledge of Russian drone production said. The plan to develop unarmed decoy drones at Alabuga was developed in late 2022, according to the person with knowledge of Russian drone production. Production of the decoys started earlier this year, said the person, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity. Now the plant turns out about 40 of the unarmed drones a day and about 10 armed ones. The vacuum bomb From a military point of view, thermobarics are ideal for going after targets that are either inside fortified buildings or deep underground. They create a vortex of high pressure and heat that penetrates the thickest walls and, at the same time, sucks out all of the oxygen in their path. Alabuga’s thermobaric drones are particularly destructive when they strike buildings, because they are also loaded with ball bearings to cause maximum damage even beyond the superheated blast. Serhii Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian electronics expert more widely known as Flash whose black military van is kitted out with electronic jammers to down drones, said the thermobarics were first used over the summer and estimated they now make up between 3% and 5% of all drones. They have a fearsome reputation because of the physical effects even on people caught outside the initial blast site: collapsed lungs, crushed eyeballs, brain damage, according to Arthur van Coller, an expert in international humanitarian law at South Africa’s University of Fort Hare. For Russia, the benefits are huge. An unarmed drone costs considerably less than the estimated $50,000 for an armed Shahed drone and a tiny fraction of the cost of even a relatively inexpensive air defense missile. One decoy with a live-feed camera allows the aircraft to geolocate Ukraine’s air defenses and relay the information to Russia in the final moments of its mechanical life. And the swarms have become a demoralizing fact of life for Ukrainians.For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) Misled Investors About How Issues in the Semiconductor Industry Would Impact the Company According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that: (1) the issues being faced by suppliers, like ASML, in the semiconductor industry were much more severe than defendants had indicated to investors; (2) the pace of recovery of sales in the semiconductor industry was much slower than defendants had publicly acknowledged; (3) defendants had created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to customer demand and anticipated growth, while also downplaying risk from macroeconomic and industry fluctuations, as well as stronger regulations restricting the export of semiconductor technology, including the products that ASML sells; and (4) as a result, defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. As a result of these acts, ASML stock has declined significantly, harming investors. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against ASML Holding N.V. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 13, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LL have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against ASML Holding N.V. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at MENAFN24122024004107003653ID1109028194 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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Starbucks Might Sell Stake in China Operations. What It Means for the Stock.Investors bullish on buy now, pay later plays such as ( ) could soon have another option — Sweden-based Klarna is expected launch an initial public offering in 2025. Affirm stock has climbed 32% in 2024. Consumer lending firms like Affirm and Klarna compete with credit card issuers by offering installment payment plans. Klarna's last funding round in 2022 valued the financial technology company at $6.7 billion. The Klarna IPO could value the fintech company at around $15 billion to $20 billion. The company has hired Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley to lead the listing. Affirm operates mainly in the U.S. while Klarna's biggest market is Europe. In a recent report, Mizuho Securities analyst Dan Dolev compared the financials of Affirm stock and Klarna. Klarna Vs. Affirm Financials "Klarna is three to four times bigger in terms of gross merchandise volume but revenue is more or less equal, with Affirm closing the gap," Dolev said. He added: "Affirm is over two times more profitable." However, Klarna has been investing in artificial intelligence tools for customer support, TD Cowen analyst Derrick Wood said in a report. The AI chatbots have enabled Klarna to reduce its workforce. Klarna's workforce has been lowered by over 20% to around 3,500 because of AI-related productivity, the company recently said. Klarna "is planning to cut roughly 50% of its workforce over time and is ending its ( ) and ( ) partnerships amid its plans to leverage AI for various business application software needs," Wood said. In October, Klarna signed a nonexclusive deal with ( ). Klarna BNPL will be integrated into Apple Pay as a payment option. Affirm also has a deal with Apple. Started in 2005, Klarna says it has over 150 million global active users and handles 2 million transactions per day. Klarna's other retail partners include H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macy's, Ikea, Expedia Group, Nike and Airbnb. Affirm Stock: IPO Launched In 2021 Mizuho's Dolev said: "In 2023 Klarna's U.S. gross profit was about $130 million or 10% to 15% of total gross profit." Meanwhile, Affirm launched its IPO in January 2021 during the Covid emergency. Shares hit an all-time high of 176.65 in November 2021. Affirm is , such as a consumer debit card. And, Affirm is taking on Klarna in the United Kingdom. Aside from San Francisco-based Affirm, Klarna also competes versus 's ( ) Afterpay, ( ), Sezzle and many other BNPL providers. Many top credit card issuers, such as Chase, now offer their own version of BNPL, creating more competition. While buy now, pay later remains its core business, Klarna also offers an instant payment method and has held its banking license since 2017. It offers various fintech services through its mobile app.LA Galaxy win record 6th MLS Cup
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi defeats Stephen F. Austin 67-48Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two "entities" in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border. A news release Tuesday from India's Enforcement Directorate -- a multidisciplinary organization that investigates money laundering and foreign exchange laws -- said a multi-city search has revealed "incriminating" evidence of "human trafficking." The allegations have not been tested in court. The federal government, the RCMP, and Indian high commission in Ottawa, and multiple Canadian college officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The U.S. embassy said Thursday it had no comment. Indian officials say they launched their investigation after Jagdish Baldevbhai Patel, 39, was found dead along with his wife and two children near a border crossing between Manitoba and the United States on Jan. 19, 2022. Last month, a Minnesota jury found two men guilty -- Steve Shand of Florida and Harshkumar Patel, an Indian national arrested in Chicago -- on four counts related to bringing unauthorized people into the U.S., transporting them and profiting from it. Patel is a common name in India, and the family was not related to the accused. Prosecutors said Harshkumar Patel co-ordinated a sophisticated operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. Harshkumar Patel and Shand have not yet been sentenced and might appeal. The Tuesday news release said officials launched an investigation following a report filed against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel, who allegedly arranged the travel of the family. Each member of the family was allegedly charged the equivalent of between $93,000 and $102,000 to cross into United States from Canada, the directorate claimed. The incident has been called the Dingucha case in India, named after the village in the Gujarat state of western India from which the family originated. The Enforcement Directorate said it searched eight places last week in Mumbai, Nagpur in Maharashtra state, and Gandhinagar and Vadodara in Gujarat. It also claims that Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel allegedly arranged people to get admissions to Canadian colleges, which helped in getting student visas. The news release did not specify the schools alleged to be involved. "Once the individuals or students reach Canada, instead of joining the college, they illegally crossed the U.S.-Canada Border and never joined college(s) in Canada," it said. The fee paid toward college admission was then returned, it added. The search has found that about 25,000 students were referred by one "entity" and over 10,000 students by another to various colleges outside India every year, the release claimed. The network has about 1,700 agents in Gujarat and around 3,500 across India, of which 800 are active, it alleged. The release claims that "around 112 colleges based in Canada" have entered into agreement with one entity, while "more than 150" colleges have done so with another entity. It is unclear from the release whether any colleges have ties to both entities. Anil Pratham, a former high-ranking police official in Gujarat, was involved in investigating the case from January 2022 until his retirement this fall. He told The Canadian Press his team looked at paperwork, such as certificates and documents used by students to apply to colleges and universities abroad. Police then contacted villagers through various societies, asking them for help. "We conveyed to the villagers that you should come out and tell (us) who are the victims and who are the agents who live there," he said in an interview from Gujarat. "This helped us in our investigation." The process took nearly three years because the first step is to establish the crime, charge, investigate and finalize those charges, he said. Police in Gujarat got help from their counterparts in Canada and New York, Pratham said. He also had advice for those wanting to go abroad to study or work. "There is a legal way of going from India to whichever country one wants," he said. News of the Indian investigation comes amid tensions with the U.S. over border security, a federal rethink of international-student policy, and diplomatic tensions with India over New Delhi's alleged targeting of Sikh activists in Canada. Trump has threatened wounding tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa does not sufficiently crack down on migrants and drugs crossing into the U.S. illegally, leading Ottawa to earmark $1.3 billion over six years to address border security. Before that, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats in October, over allegations they used their position to collect information on Canadians and then passed it on to criminal gangs who targeted the individuals directly. At the time, Canada also alleged India's home affairs minsiter ordered intelligence-gathering operations against Sikh separatists who advocate for an independent country called Khalistan to be carved out of India. New Delhi rejects Ottawa's claims. 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But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Canada Laval police searching for missing teen girl, family fears for her safety Laval police (SPL) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 15-year-old girl, who was last seen on Christmas Eve. 2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning. Ship remains stalled on St-Lawrence River north of Montreal A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve, remains stationary north of Montreal. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. World An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence Syria's new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs on Thursday, a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country's fragile peace could break down. 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Russia arrests 4 suspects accused of plotting to kill top military officers on Ukraine's orders Russia's top security agency said Thursday that it has arrested several suspects accused of involvement in an alleged Ukrainian plot to assassinate senior military officers, an announcement that follows the killing of a top Russian general last week. Sinkhole prompts lane closures on Interstate 80 in New Jersey A sinkhole that opened up Thursday along Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey forced authorities to close the heavily travelled highway's eastbound lanes. Politics India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S. Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two 'entities' in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border. Nova Scotia premier tones down rhetoric toward Ottawa in end of year interview On the heels of a resounding election victory one month ago, Nova Scotia's premier is adopting a more measured tone when it comes to assessing his province's relationship with the federal government. Canada condemns China's steps against Canadian institutions over Uyghurs, Tibet The Canadian government condemned China on Tuesday for taking steps against two Canadian institutions and 20 people involved in human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and Tibet. Health Dr. Theresa Tam shares her top health concerns for Canada in 2025 As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. 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Here's what to do about it Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report. Entertainment Bad Bunny announces a new album, 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos' Happy holidays from Bad Bunny, who announced Thursday he will release a new album Jan. 5. 'Wicked' will make its streaming debut on New Year’s Eve, with deleted and extended scenes Universal Pictures, the studio behind the hit film, announced on Thursday that “Wicked” will be available to buy or rent on December 31 on digital streaming platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV. Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM. Business Unwanted gift card in your stocking? Don't let it go to waste Gift cards can be a quick and easy present for those who don't know what to buy and offer the recipient a chance to pick out something nice for themselves, but sometimes they can still miss the mark. OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Lifestyle Spending the holiday season alone this year? How to make the most of it Spending the holidays alone can feel lonely or empty, but it doesn't have to be that way. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes Heading into 2025, thousands of workers face an unsettling reality: after years of working from the comfort of home, they must return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic or look for new work. Your kid is spending too much time on their phone. Here's what to do about it Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report. Sports World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day A Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital this Boxing Day, as the 2025 World Junior Championship is set to create a buzz in the city. Swimmer Summer McIntosh voted The Canadian Press female athlete of the year for 2024 During the month before her 18th birthday, Summer McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, winter or summer, with a silver medal thrown in for good measure. Stephen Curry says 'end is near' for career NBA great Stephen Curry said he is appreciating his 16th season, knowing he is closing in on the end of his record-setting career. Autos More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. Ford Motor donates US$1 million and fleet of vehicles to Trump's inauguration Ford Motor Co F.N is donating US$1 million and a fleet of vehicles to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's January inauguration, a company spokesperson said on Monday. Local Spotlight Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather. Teen cancer patient pays forward Make-A-Wish donation to local fire department A 16-year-old cancer patient from Hemmingford, Que. decided to donate his Make-A-Wish Foundation gift to the local fire department rather than use it himself. B.C. friends nab 'unbelievable' $1M lotto win just before Christmas Two friends from B.C's lower mainland are feeling particularly merry this December, after a single lottery ticket purchased from a small kiosk landed them instant millionaire status. 'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B. A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000. No need to dream, White Christmas all but assured in the Maritimes An early nor'easter followed by a low-pressure system moving into the region all but ensure a Maritime White Christmas 'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy. Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes. Willistead Manor celebrates the Christmas season in style, with only two weekends left to visit From the Great Hall to the staircase and landings, to the conservatory – hundreds of people have toured the Willistead Manor this December. Music maker, 88, creates unique horn section, with moose antler bass guitar and cello Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound. Vancouver 1 airlifted, highway closed after crash in Mission Lougheed Highway is closed in Mission, B.C., after a car crash Thursday morning that seriously injured at least one person, Mounties say. These were the most-borrowed books from Vancouver libraries in 2024 What have Vancouverites been reading in 2024? The Vancouver Public Library has released its lineup of the books that kept flying off the shelf this year, which can serve as inspiration for bookworms’ 2025 reading lists. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Toronto OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down. Man wanted for 2 unprovoked incidents in downtown Toronto on Christmas Eve Toronto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly choked a female in downtown Toronto then threatened an employee at a business with a hammer. 1 person seriously injured in Scarborough stabbing One person was taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries following a stabbing on Dec. 25 in Scarborough, say paramedics. Calgary 2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning. Boxing Day draws deal-seekers, but maybe fewer than in times past Calgarians hoping to save some money—or get that last gift they missed out on for Christmas—headed to the store for Boxing Day. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Ottawa Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day A Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital this Boxing Day, as the 2025 World Junior Championship is set to create a buzz in the city. What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year. Montreal WEATHER | Smog warning in effect in Montreal, Laval Residents of Montreal, Laval and other regions are advised that a smog warning is in effect. Quebec teenager gives his Make-A-Wish donation to his community When the Make-A-Wish Foundation offered Gerry McAdam anything he wanted he didn't know what to do. The 16-year-old from Hemmingford, Quebec is battling sarcoma, a rare form of tissue cancer. A very different Boxing Day from previous years In a markedly different economic context than last year, with fiercer and more unfair international competition than ever and less than two weeks after the end of the Canada Post strike, this year’s Boxing Day sales are set to be different from those in previous years, says the Quebec Retail Council (CQCD). Edmonton These are the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024 CTV News Edmonton looks at the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024, and how you can protect yourself. Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut "It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it." Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Atlantic Christmas Day fire causes heavy damage to building in Saint John, N.B. A fire caused a power outage for around 900 residents of Saint John, N.B., Wednesday afternoon. Civil War sword with N.B. ties now on display at Loyalist House The blade of Dr. John F. Stevenson, who was born in Saint Andrews, N.B., is now part of the New Brunswick Historical Society’s collection after being purchased from a collector for $6,200 dollars. Temporary overnight parking ban for Saint John, N.B. Saint John, N.B., has declared an overnight parking ban for the South/Central Peninsula beginning 11 p.m. Thursday evening through 7 a.m. Friday morning. Winnipeg 16-year-old boy found with machete: Police A 16-year-old boy is in custody after police said they found him with a machete. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Have you seen Davis? Winnipeg police search for missing man Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a man who went missing last week. Regina Yorkton RCMP seek tips to locate unlawfully-at-large inmate Yorkton RCMP is seeking tips from the public to locate an inmate after staff noticed he was not present at the Whitespruce Provincial Training Centre. Pedestrian collision sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries One man has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday in Regina. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Kitchener Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Sawed-off shotgun and three knives seized during Cambridge arrest Two people from Thunder Bay are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges after they were arrested in Cambridge. Baden-born player, Guelph Storm forward and former Kitchener Ranger prepare to hit the ice at World Juniors Waterloo Region and Guelph will be well represented as the International Ice Hockey Federation World Juniors gets underway. Saskatoon Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. IN PICTURES: CTV Saskatoon viewers send us their holiday photos A living gallery of viewer-submitted photos from the holiday season. Share your pictures with us at SaskatoonNews@bellmedia.ca Sask. highway closed following serious collision The Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a serious collision on Highway 7, approximately 15 kilometres west of Rosetown. Northern Ontario Drug trade fuelling increase in gun crime in Timmins, police say Police in Timmins say gun crime is increasing in the city because of the drug trade, especially involving opioids. Freezing drizzle advisory in effect for Greater Sudbury Environment Canada issued a freezing drizzle advisory Thursday for areas in and around Greater Sudbury. Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record. London Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays. Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game. London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning. Barrie Teen allegedly attempting to avoid R.I.D.E. program leads to police chase, arrest A teenage driver is facing numerous charges after reportedly attempting to avoid a R.I.D.E. program and flee from police in Essa Township late Christmas night. Woman charged after driving in oncoming traffic: OPP A 78-year-old female driver is facing charges after reportedly driving into oncoming traffic in Wasaga Beach on Christmas Eve. How Barrie is celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa While many were opening the last of their Christmas gifts Wednesday night, the Jewish community in Barrie and Simcoe County was lighting the first Hanukkah candle and gearing up for eight days of festivities. Windsor Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom. VIDEO | From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season. 'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located? The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday. Vancouver Island Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect. Avalanche risk 'extreme' for parts of B.C. coast The avalanche danger rating for mountains on B.C.’s South Coast was “extreme” on Boxing Day, according to Canada’s non-profit forecaster. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Kelowna Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying. Lethbridge Lake Louise ice climber takes a scary fall, then carries on climbing ice The sport of ice climbing is becoming more and more popular, but one man is lucky to be alive after a serious fall in Alberta’s back country. Safety tips for holiday home cooks: Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services If you’re planning to cook over the holidays, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is reminding everyone to do it safely. Here’s which bins your Christmas wrapping, ribbons and leftovers should go into With piles of presents unwrapped Wednesday, Environment Lethbridge is reminding everyone to dispose of all that waste properly. Sault Ste. Marie Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record. Sault shopper caught with stolen credit cards A Sault man’s illegal shopping spree came to an abrupt end over the weekend. Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory. N.L. Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail. As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration. A massive, menacing Steller's sea eagle is dazzling birders in a Newfoundland park A national park in Newfoundland has made the unusual move of opening in the winter so people can catch a glimpse of its rare and menacing new guest. Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients. Stay Connected
NEW YORK (AP) — He's making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders. Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he's sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve them. Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada's prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures. The incoming president has warned there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY" if Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. And this weekend, Trump returned to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. There, he was welcomed like a sitting dignitary , with a prime seat next to French President Emmanuel Macron . Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son , Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden attended in his place. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night . For all of Trump's bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit. Breaking precedent The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. “Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time," he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes." Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration. “Right now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. He’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren't simply introductions. He's staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs," Zelizer said. Foreign leader meetings Trump had already met with several foreign leaders before this weekend's trip. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts. On Wednesday, several members of Trump's team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X . That comes after Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S. official familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. One president, two voices There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy. Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump's incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “all transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.” She added: “World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.” Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications. If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said. Leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for a better deal. Coordination between incoming and outgoing administrations Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice. That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently. It is unclear the level of State Department involvement, but the Biden and Trump teams say they have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. That includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border. “I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. I’m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them," Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview. Sullivan echoed those comments at the Ronald Reagan National Defense Forum Saturday. “It has been professional. It has been substantive. And frankly, it has been good," he said of their coordination on national security issues. “Obviously we don’t see eye to eye on every issue, and that’s no secret to anybody," he went on. But he said both teams believe “it is our job on behalf of the American people to make sure this is a smooth transition,” particularly given the seriousness of issues like the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and threats from China. “The nature of the world we find ourselves in today only elevates our responsibility to be engaged, to talk regularly, to meet regularly, to be transparent, to share, and to make sure it’s an effective transition,” he said. Taking credit already Trump’s team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes. “Promises Kept — And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged "immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.” Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton. Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
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– In a new video she shared on social media , Pure Fusion Collective’s Sonya Deville expressed resentment over not being given a slot in the tournament for the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, also taking a shot at Dakota Kai, who did get a slot in the tournament. She wrote in the caption, “I would post the rest of the video but I wouldn’t wanna get ‘in trouble.'” Sonya Deville says in the video, “I have literally overcome things, but I don’t sit here and brag about how much I deserve things. You have Dakota Kai in the tournament. Now we’re applauding her so much because she’s come back from her fourth injury in four years, and that’s something to brag about now?! That’s something that’s rewarded now? What are we doing?” Dakota Kai recently advanced in the tournament, beating Katana Chance and Deville’s stablemate Shayna Baszler in the first round. You can view Deville’s clip below: I would post the rest of the video but I wouldn’t wanna get “in trouble” https://t.co/PTgwfoHGjf pic.twitter.com/SLph94QMNs — Daria/Sonya Deville (@SonyaDevilleWWE) December 5, 2024Starlink rollout on Qatar Airways exceeds initial targets
Where House progressives' new leader thinks Democrats went wrong: From the Politics Desk
Turkish industry has bright prospects in health sector Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir attends a meeting on March 29, 2024. — Facebook@PSHDepartment LAHORE:Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir has said there are bright prospects for the Turkish Derma and nutraceutical industry in Pakistan. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); "The investment by Turkish Biota Labs in the health sector in Punjab will create thousands of job opportunities for pharmacists and others. In Pakistan, quality products will be produced by utilising the expertise, quality, and new technology of the Turkish derma industry," he said. The mutual partnership between Biota Labs and Isra Derma Industry will make quality medicine available to the public. Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir, while addressing the second global business summit of Turkiye Biota Labs under the auspices of Pakistani brand Asra Derma as the special guest, said the investment of Turkish companies in our country will further stabilise the national economy. Khawaja Imran Nazir said that the investment of foreign companies in the medicine sector will help in preventing counterfeit medicines. The provincial health minister said that the local nutra and derma industry plays an important role in the stability of Pakistan’s economy. The provincial health minister thanked the Turkish Consul General Ali Erbaz and CEO of Biota Labs Cihat Dundar for coming to the conference.
ATLANTA — A month after the November election, a series of major developments has shaken up Georgia’s political landscape as Donald Trump prepares his return to the White House. The president-elect’s announcement Wednesday that he will nominate former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler to his Cabinet was his second appointment that will have broad implications for Georgia’s 2026 races. Attorney General Chris Carr wasted no time in formally launching his campaign to succeed a term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp, with a mid-November rollout that marked one of the earliest kickoffs of a gubernatorial bid in modern Georgia history. Kemp was elected the next chair of the Republican Governors Association days after Trump’s win, assuring that his influence in GOP politics grows as he enters his final years in Georgia’s top job and weighs a bid for U.S. Senate. And Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff began preparing for a tough reelection bid by leading a behind-the-scenes press to oust U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams as chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia as he navigates pushback from his votes to limit arms sales to Israel. That’s all before Trump takes office in January, Kemp unveils his agenda for the end of his second term and lawmakers revive a yearslong fight over transgender sports and a decades-long effort to curb costly lawsuits . The back-to-back Trump appointments of Loeffler and former U.S. Rep. Doug Collins — rivals in the 2020 special election for an open Senate seat — will give each a role in Trump’s inner circle if confirmed by the Senate. Collins is set to oversee the Veterans Affairs department while Loeffler is poised to lead the Small Business Administration , providing each with broader national platforms and seats at the table in Trump’s Cabinet. It also means the two Georgians are unlikely to compete for state or federal office during midterm elections, when Kemp’s job will be up for grabs and Ossoff could be the top Republican target in the U.S. Senate. That clarifies — a bit — a race for governor that is already well underway two years before the vote. By entering the race this early, Carr hopes to lock up support from activists and build a bank account to compete against wealthier rivals. Chief among those potential rivals is Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is expected to run for governor but told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he won’t announce his plans until after the legislative session ends early next year. The scion of a sprawling petroleum and insurance conglomerate, Jones can tap his family wealth to self-finance his campaign — and his close ties to Trump to woo conservative primary voters. Carr, a former economic development commissioner and protege of the late U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, is pushing to make the most of his jump on the race . Neil Bitting, Carr’s campaign manager, said the mission is to build on the Republican’s network and “organize and capitalize” across Georgia. “Chris is aggressively reaching out to friends and future friends all over Georgia to organize the grassroots and raise the seed capital necessary to share his vision for creating jobs, fighting crime and defending Georgia values,” he said. While potential Democratic contenders for governor have so far refrained from telegraphing their next steps, Ossoff has stepped up his preparations for an all-out fight to keep his U.S. Senate seat. Ossoff told the AJC his campaign is working to build “the most effective, the most massive and the best-resourced effort” to mobilize the Black, suburban and independent voters that sealed his 2021 runoff victory. “This will be the biggest and most effective turnout effort in the history of Georgia politics,” he said. In a glimpse of the headwinds ahead, the Democrat’s votes supporting a pair of failed resolutions to limit sales of lethal artillery shells and tank ammunition to Israel divided key Democrats — and led the Republican Jewish Coalition to declare him its top target in 2026. He has also taken swift action to exert more control over the Democratic Party in Georgia, since he’s the only statewide incumbent for his party on the ballot in two years. He helped orchestrate a push to oust Williams as party chair amid growing concerns from donors, activists and officials that she can’t effectively carry out that role while simultaneously representing an Atlanta-based district in the U.S. House. While that internal fight has ruffled feathers within the party, some former Williams allies have also urged her to resign — and key activists are working to change the bylaws to smooth a path for her to step down. DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry, who once served as the party’s first vice chair under Williams, said many insiders envision a “full-time chair who is in essence the leader of the party” as spokesperson, campaign manager and fundraiser. “It takes time to do that work, and running a two-year, year-round campaign is a lot of time.” Leaders of both parties are also grappling with the unpredictability of the incoming Trump administration and taking far different lessons from the former president’s triumph in Georgia. Senior Republican lawmakers say the victory — along with an enduring GOP majority in the House and a new majority in the Senate — gives them a mandate to cut taxes, limit spending and seek other methods to provide economic relief to struggling Georgians. “Republicans have listened to our voters and our constituents,” Senate GOP Leader Steve Gooch said. “And what’s most important to them right now is inflation, jobs and the cost of groceries.” Gooch and other Republican leaders have made clear, too, they see a measure restricting transgender girls from competing in women’s school sports as part of that message from voters — something House Speaker Jon Burns this week pledged to prioritize next year. Jason Carter, the Democratic nominee for governor in 2014, said November was a sobering reminder of the fragility of his party’s coalition. But he noted that two years ago, voters rendered a split verdict by electing Kemp and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat. Like other Democrats, he anticipates voters could be exhausted by Trump-driven drama by 2026, which will mark the president-elect’s 10th year at the pinnacle of GOP politics. But he cautioned that Trump alone won’t help Democrats build a winning electoral alliance. “Democrats need to start listening better,” he said. “For the last 15 years, if you ask the power structure of the Democratic Party, I don’t think they wanted to earn the votes of rural white voters. And you’ve got to say, we’re not giving up on them.” ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.An illegal alien, reportedly released into the United States by President Joe Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that killed 37-year-old Jimmy Chang, a well-known realtor in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. Christian Fernando Irias-Ruiz, a 20-year-old Honduran national, has been arrested and charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, drunk driving, reckless driving, speeding, and possession of alcohol by someone under 21 years old. According to police, the crash occurred just days before Christmas when Irias-Ruiz allegedly drove drunk, ran a red light, and t-boned Jimmy Chang’s vehicle — killing him. A third vehicle was involved in the crash, which left some passengers injured. “It’s devastating for all the family right now, still can’t process that he’s gone,” Jason Chang, Jimmy’s brother, told WSB-TV 2 Atlanta. “He impacted a lot of lives.” A report from Fox News Digital reveals that Irias-Ruiz is an illegal alien from Honduras and was first apprehended crossing the southern border in June 2021. DHS officials, though, released Irias-Ruiz into the United States interior through Biden’s expansive Catch and Release network. Chang, whose family has set up a GoFundMe page, was a realtor in the area and president of the Atlanta chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has placed a detainer on Irias-Ruiz so that if he is released from DeKalb County Jail at any time, he will be turned over to agents for arrest and deportation. John Binder is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at jbinder@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter here .Manitobans need mature, fiscally sound government, not political gimmickry
The Chicago Bears have a lot of work to do this offseason to continue building this roster around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. In just 16 weeks, Williams has proved he has the potential to turn into the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise , as long as the team puts the pieces in place around him to not only further elevate his play, but most importantly, win games. It'll be a tall task for the Bears' front office and general manager Ryan Poles, but the team has everything they need to make it happen over the next few months. After dropping nine consecutive games, the Bears have actually put themselves in a great position looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. Right now, the Bears have the 9th overall pick and at worst would have the 10th overall pick if the team manages to win out over the final two games, along with two other picks currently in the Top-50. What the Bears do with those top selections remains to be seen, but by looking at the team this season, it's obvious what direction the team needs to go in the draft. Williams needs some more offensive support, both on the line of scrimmage and in the weapons he can distribute the ball too. On defense, adding more high-end depth to the defensive line has to be a top priority too. In the latest mock draft from our own AJ Schulte , Schulte had the Bears tackling all of those weaknesses by adding impact players in the first three round of the draft. Here's which players he had the Bears taking with their first four selections: 9th Overall Pick: Will Campbell (OL, LSU) With another pick in the Top-10, the Bears can take advantage of their hand by landing another blue-chip prospect in the first round like they did in 2023 by drafting right tackle Darnell Wright with the 10th overall pick. This time around, Schulte has the Bears taking the first offensive lineman off the board in LSU's Will Campbell, passing on 2024 Outland Trophy winner Kelvin Banks Jr. out of Texas. Both players are worthy of being the first offensive lineman off the board come April's draft and it just depends what the team is looking for. For the Bears, the decision to take Campbell over Banks makes sense. Campbell started 12 games in 2024 at left tackle but also profiles as a potential guard at the next level. In those 12 games, Campbell allowed just 1 sack and 14 pressures. Campbell could be the ideal fit for the Bears as a guy who could start at either position. Campbell could look to compete at left tackle following Braxton Jones' significant injury or could replace Teven Jenkins at left guard if the team opts to let him walk in free agency . Either way, he would be a significant upgrade to the front. #LSU OT Will Campbell will forego his final season and has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Could be one of the first blockers off of the board. pic.twitter.com/lIC5iTkvX4 40th Overall Pick: Kyren Lacy (WR, LSU) With the team's first pick in the second round, Schulte had the Bears sticking in Baton Rouge and selecting LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy. LSU has become a legitimate farm school breeding top-tier NFL talent such as Justin Jefferson , Ja'Marr Chase, Malik Nabers , and Brian Thomas Jr., just to name a few of the recent ones. The Bears wide receiver room could have an opening if the team decides not to bring back veteran Keenan Allen and Lacy would be a solid fit lining up alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze in the Bears' offense. With the Tigers in 2024, Lacy led the team with 58 receptions, 866 yards, and nine touchdowns. Lacy did the bulk of his work on the outside but did play 156 snaps in the slot. In 2023, Lacy finished third on the team in yards and touchdowns behind future first round selections in Nabers and Thomas. 40th overall would be incredible value. KYREN LACY WALKS OFF OLE MISS IN OVERTIME DEATH VALLEY IS ALIVE pic.twitter.com/GfPiSh0Qx8 41st Overall Pick (via CAR): Marcus Mbow (OL, Purdue) One pick later, Schulte had the Bears using the final selection coming from the blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers to select another offensive lineman in Purdue's Marcus Mbow. At Purdue in 2024, Mbow started all 12 games at right tackle allowing three sacks and 22 pressures, but two of those sacks came against Notre Dame's top ranked defense in Week 3. After that game, Mbow allowed just one sack the rest of the season. Mbow is extremely athletic and very good on his, according to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid. When projecting his impact in the NFL, Mbow has the size and athleticism to play tackle, guard, or center. For a team that's potentially going to replace 3/4 starters this offseason, Mbow is a safe prospect to bank on that you can eventually find a starting spot for during the summer. #Purdue OL Marcus Mbow announces that he’s entering the 2025 NFL draft. A prospect that many scouts are already excited about. Athletic blocker with very good feet. pic.twitter.com/sV6Hy7mYaF 71st Overall Pick: TJ Sanders (DT, South Carolina) In the third round, Schulte finally had the Bears addressing the defense by pinning South Carolina defensive tackle TJ Sanders to the team with the 71st overall pick. When it comes to finding a solid contributor to the defensive front late on Day 2 of the draft, Sanders would be your best bet. At 6'4, 290 pounds with a ridiculous wing span, Sanders has all the intangibles that could cause him to go even higher. From a production standpoint, Sanders was ultra-disruptive for the Gamecocks in 2024, finishing the year with 5 sacks, 32 total pressures, and 24 stops. Among SEC defensive tackles, Sanders' sack total was second behind Ole Miss' Walter Nolen, whom Schulte had landing with the Minnesota Vikings in the first round. Adding a player like Sanders to a defensive front with Montez Sweat , Gervon Dexter, and Andrew Billings would give Chicago another D-Line that the rest of the NFL should fear for years to come. South Carolina DT TJ Sanders #BuildingTheBoard At 6'4" and 290 pounds, TJ Sanders is a disruptive DT with an enticing blend of size, athleticism, and skill. With over 34-inch arms and a projectable frame, he possesses the physical tools NFL teams covet in defensive linemen.... pic.twitter.com/3qCRpSKAi4 This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.An Israeli drone strike on a hospital compound in northern Gaza on Thursday killed a 16-year-old boy in a wheelchair and wounded at least 12 other people, including medical staff, the Gaza Health Ministry and the hospital director said. Kamal Adwan Hospital is one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of Gaza , where Israeli forces are pressing an offensive that has almost completely sealed off the area from humanitarian aid for two months. Earlier Thursday, the human rights group Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip during its war with Hamas, saying it has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing the delivery of food, medicine and other aid. Israel says it goes to great lengths to avoid harming civilians as it battles Hamas. Israel's war against Hamas has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in October 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage . Israel’s blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,500 Palestinians , more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the Latest: WASHINGTON -- Three U.S. service members were being evaluated for potential traumatic brain injuries following an attack near a base in eastern Syria this week, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday. Ryder said U.S. Central Command is still evaluating who was behind the attack near Mission Support Site Euphrates, which prompted the U.S. to conduct counter strikes on Tuesday. At the time, the Pentagon said rockets and mortars had landed in the vicinity of the base. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria to conduct missions to counter the Islamic Stage group. By Lolita Baldor BEIRUT — Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem said in a televised speech on Friday that the Lebanese militant group will provide financial assistance to families whose homes were completely destroyed during the recent war with Israel. In addition to being an armed group, Hezbollah is also a political party and provides extensive social services. In his second speech since the ceasefire that ended the war between Hezbollah and Israel on Nov. 27, Kassem reiterated that the U.N. Resolution 1701 “is not a new agreement,” adding that it stipulates that “Israel must withdraw from all Lebanese territories.” “The agreement is limited to the area south of the Litani River and nothing else,” Kassem said. He also accused Israel of committing over 60 violations of the ceasefire . Seated against the backdrop of a banner reading “reconstruction campaign,” Kassem announced that Hezbollah, with support from Iran, will provide financial aid to families whose homes were completely destroyed during the war. Those in Beirut and its southern suburbs will receive $14,000, while families outside the capital will receive $12,000, covering annual rent and compensation for furniture, he said. For partially damaged homes, specialized committees will assess the damages, Kassem said. Commenting on Syria and the stunning offensive by jihadi insurgents in recent days, Kassem said Hezbollah “will stand alongside Syria to stop the aggression.” “The aggression against Syria is sponsored by America and Israel,” Kassem said. He did not specify whether Hezbollah would send fighters to Syria to join forces with the Syrian army. WASHINGTON — The Biden administration says it believes accusations by Amnesty International that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza are “unfounded” although it says human rights groups play a “vital role” in speaking to the consequences of the conflict. Deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel declined to comment Thursday about specifics in the report, saying he would “let Amnesty International speak to the details about it.” But, he said the administration continues to disagree with its conclusion, as it has with previous similar reports from other organizations. “As you’ve heard us say previously, we disagree with the conclusions of such a report,” Patel told reporters in Washington. “We have said previously and continue to find that the allegations of genocide are unfounded. But there continues to be a vital role that civil society organizations like Amnesty International and human rights groups and NGOs play in providing information and analysis as it relates to Gaza and what’s going on.” At the same time, he said the administration’s concern about the situation in Gaza also remains unchanged and urged Israel to do more to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza. “We continue to stress at every turn that there is a moral and strategic priority for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and that is something we’re going to continue to raise with partners in the region and directly with Israel,” Patel said. CAIRO — An Israeli drone strike on a hospital compound in northern Gaza killed a 16-year-old boy in a wheelchair and wounded at least 12 other people, including medical staff, the Gaza Health Ministry and the hospital director said. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya said an Israeli drone deliberately targeted patients and staff at the entrance to the reception and emergency area of Kamal Adwan Hospital, killing Mahmoud Abu al-Aish, a patient being taken in a wheelchair to the radiology department. Abu Safiya spoke in a video he posted on social media, standing inside the hospital as doctors operated on a wounded man behind him, calling it, “The injured treating the injured.” Abu Safiya was wounded in his thigh and back by an Israeli drone strike on the hospital last month. Israel says it goes to great lengths to avoid harming civilians as it battles Hamas. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been struck multiple times over the past two months since Israel launched a fierce military operation in northern Gaza against Hamas militants. In October, Israeli forces raided the hospital, saying that militants were sheltering inside and arrested a number of people, including some staff. Hospital officials denied the claim. The United Nations humanitarian office estimates up to 75,000 people remain in the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya and the Jabaliya refugee camp. The area has been almost completely sealed off from humanitarian aid for two months and experts have warned that a famine may have set in . A medical relief team from the U.N. World Health Organization was able to reach Kamal Adwan Hospital on Monday, delivering 10,000 liters of fuel (2,640 gallons), blood supplies, essential medical items and food. The U.N. press office also said DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian mothers in Gaza are struggling to secure baby formula for their newborn children and are forced to resort to alternatives that aren't the best options for infants. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported Thursday a shortage in baby formula amid a lack of aid entering the besieged territory and high prices due to scarcity. If found in the market, one box of baby formula could cost up to $50, according to an Associated Press journalist. Ahmed al-Farra, director of the child and maternity department at Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, said in the video statement posted by the Health Ministry that Israeli forces have been denying the entry of baby formula to the Gaza Strip for around three months. He explained that some women in Gaza can’t breastfeed their babies due to their own malnutrition or illness and must resort to giving infants starch or dissolved herbs instead, which pose a health risk. One mother said in a video posted by the Health Ministry that she was feeding her baby crushed biscuits, ground rice, and Cerelac brand baby formula if available. Medical professionals often recommend waiting to feed a child solid foods until at least the age of six months. The amount of aid entering Gaza plunged in October, and hunger is widespread across the territory, even in central Gaza where aid groups have more access. Humanitarian organizations say Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting and the breakdown of law and order make it difficult to deliver assistance. Israel has said it is working to increase the flow of aid. JERUSALEM — Israeli rights groups are calling on the government to stop the “forcible transfer” of Palestinians out of northern Gaza and for the displaced to be allowed to return home. A joint letter from five well-known groups says “this forcible transfer is being undertaken through direct attacks on the civilian population, threats of such attacks, and the creation of inhumane living conditions.” The letter was issued by Gisha, Adalah, HaMoked, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel, groups based in Israel that advocate for Palestinian rights. Tens of thousands have fled Gaza’s northernmost governorate since Israel launched a military operation there in early October against Hamas militants. The United Nations humanitarian office estimates up to 75,000 people remain in the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya and the Jabaliya refugee camp. The area has been almost completely sealed off from humanitarian aid for two months and experts have warned that a famine may have set in . Israel has ordered repeated mass evacuations since the start of the war. Around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people have fled, often several times . Hundreds of thousands are packed into sprawling tent camps along the coast, an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone where Israel has also carried out repeated strikes against what it says are militant targets. Moshe Yaalon, a former top Israeli general and defense minister, said last week that Israel was engaged in “ethnic cleansing” and other war crimes in northern Gaza. Amnesty International on Wednesday said Israel was committing genocide in Gaza . Israel has adamantly denied the allegations, saying it goes to great lengths to avoid harming civilians as it battles Hamas, which ignited the war with its Oct. 7, 2023 attack into Israel. CAIRO — Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip during its war with Hamas, saying it has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing the delivery of food, medicine and other aid. The human rights group released a report Thursday in the Middle East that said such actions could not be justified by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel, which ignited the war, or the presence of militants in civilian areas. Amnesty said the United States and other allies of Israel could be complicit in genocide, and called on them to halt arms shipments. “Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now,” Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, said in the report. Israel, which was founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust, has adamantly rejected genocide allegations against it as an antisemitic “blood libel.” It is challenging such allegations at the International Court of Justice , and it has rejected the International Criminal Court’s accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister committed war crimes in Gaza. “The deplorable and fanatical organization Amnesty International has once again produced a fabricated report that is entirely false and based on lies,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Israel accused Hamas , which has vowed to annihilate Israel, of carrying out a genocidal massacre in the attack that triggered the war, and said it is defending itself in accordance with international law.