rich9 agent registration

rich9 agent registration White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign

Rivers APC elects Okocha as chairmanWhite House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign

The political crisis in the Philippines has escalated dramatically as Vice President Sara Duterte issued a public threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta assassinated if any harm comes to her. The shocking statement underscores the deepening rift between two of the country's most powerful political families and reflects the violent legacy of Duterte's lineage. A Shocking Threat from the Vice President During a Facebook livestream, Duterte declared that if she were harmed, she had already made arrangements for President Marcos, the First Lady, and Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez to be killed. "I said, do not stop until you kill them, and he said yes," Duterte revealed in the profanity-laced address. This statement, described as an "active threat," prompted the Presidential Security Command to ramp up protection for the president and first family, as reported by Al Jazeera. Duterte's comments come amid her increasingly acrimonious relationship with Marcos, whom she has accused of being a liar and unfit to govern. In October, she described their relationship as "toxic" and admitted that she sometimes imagines beheading him. These tensions, per Rappler, have turned a once-powerful political alliance into a bitter public feud. A Violent Family Legacy Sara... Raisa Tan

On November 28, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement that Georgia was withdrawing from EU accession negotiations sparked popular protests of a kind never before seen in Georgia. It started in Tbilisi, of course, but within days the protests had spread throughout Georgia: Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, Khashuri, Ozurgeti, Akhaltsikhe and other cities. The number of people joining the protests also increased. Most importantly, they spread to civil servants, professional groups and businesses. People of all ages, political views and social classes took to the streets to protest against the change in foreign policy announced by the ruling party. From the very first day of the protests, a range of ‘special measures’ were used to disperse peaceful demonstrators: tear gas canisters, rubber bullets, water cannons, truncheons, beatings, etc. The time frame for the use of special measures has been shrinking, with the police starting to use them in the last few days before the rallies even really got going. On a par with the police forces are the unidentified groups of men in black, lightly equipped but carrying rubber bullet guns, with their faces covered, without insignia (it is noteworthy that the faces of almost all the police have their faces covered with black masks or medical masks, making it impossible to identify the perpetrators of human rights violations). These units of men in black accompany the special forces and the riot police and attack demonstrators who resist the crowd. By the 5th day of protests, there is mounting evidence of police brutality on an unprecedented proportion, both during the arrests in the streets, as well as after the detentions. The stories that have emerged have only made the protesters angrier, as they now see even more clearly the future that awaits Georgia, as it drifts towards authoritarianism, in the model of Belarus or Russia. No policeman has yet been charged with violence. The youth have come to the forefront of the resistance’s, with their energy, uncompromising nature, risk proneness, creativity and resourcefulness. They started using fireworks to defend themselves, formed groups that use the water bottles to neutralize the tear gas canisters, and created an application to track the movements of the special forces, riot police and “men in black” in the streets of Tbilisi. An integral part of the story of resistance is what the demonstrators go through while exercising their constitutional right to demonstration and expression. These stories have resonated in Georgian society and caused an outcry among citizens. These stories, it seems, despite intimidating the citizens, provoked even greater citizen participation in the rallies. RFE/RL- Georgia Office spoke to several individuals the victims of police brutality during the recent rallies. who was detained at night on December 3. He says he was trying to escape the special forces, when he dropped the phone, he turned back and that was the firs time that he was first kicked in the face by special forces. He says those were the Special Tasks Department employees, subordinated to notorious Zviad Kharazishvili, who is sanctioned by the US Department for human rights abuses. He says, he was cursed at, the police ripped an earring out of his ear and snatched his mobile phone watch. He was among those who would be severly beaten in the police van. “When they opened the minivan door, there was a man inside who was being brutally beaten by a special forces officer. He was also being insulted with profane words as they yelled at him, ‘Speak up!’ It turned out that the man was mute. One of the special forces officers told the other, ‘I think he’s mute, leave him alone.’ But the response was, ‘To hell with that!’ and they didn’t stop, yelling, ‘If he’s here, he has to speak!’ he recalls. He then said: “When they threw me inside, they turned their attention to me. Periodically, the door would open, and two or three angry men would jump in, beat us and kick us. ” He says the detained were hit mostly in the face. Data says it’s still unclear how badly his eye is injured, as he can’t open it yet. was arrested by special forces in front of the Parliament of Georgia on December 1st, around 1 am. He recalls the night of his arrest: “Water canons were already being used on Chichinadze and Chitadze streets, and people had fled that way. There was almost no one left near the Parliament... I was sorting through my cameras and physiological solutions. Suddenly, the iron gate of the Parliament opened, and riot police rushed out, attacking the two remaining skinny persons.” He was shoved into a minibus. “There, everyone beat me and insulted me, he recalls calling it a “standard story” adding that the riot police took his phone, camera, and charger. He said while beating him the special forces and riot police repeated the GD propaganda that he was a foreign agent acting on somebody’s order, and that he wanted a war. He further recalls: “When they transferred me to the main police department on Kakheti Highway, I saw people who were severely beaten, covered in blood, sitting at a table to sign the arrest protocols, and blood was dripping onto the table.” The protocols all had the same thing written in them: ‘I was on Chichinadze Street, trying to break through the police cordon, cursing, throwing stones...’ I had never been on Chichinadze Street. Most of the people didn’t sign these protocols, and they were taken directly to the pre-trial detention facility.” was arrested on December 1st, between 6 and 7 am on Rustaveli Avenue. He was at the rally with his friend and was about to head home when the police once again deployed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. The young men took shelter in a yard, where they stayed for 15-20 minutes until the smoke cleared. Afterward, they packed their masks and other protective gear into their backpacks and returned to Rustaveli Avenue. He was arrested by young men who were then joined by and older man who upon arriving started mocking him, saying they have arrested a revolutionary and asking him how many fireworks and stones he threw.” Without provoking the police, he was punched in the face with his fist. My lip split, and my mouth filled with blood. Then they started searching my bag, finding a syringe, physiological solution, spare pants, and a bottle of drinking water. When they saw the syringe, they asked if I was a drug addict. Then I heard the sound of the water bottle opening, and suddenly they poured it down my neck, saying, ‘Here, catch a cold now.’ One of them said, ‘Pour some more on him, it’ll feel better.’ They emptied a two-liter bottle on me,” Luka recalls. Before the special forces handed Luka over to the patrol police, they beat him several more times. “When they were hitting me, the older man started shouting at the younger ones, telling them to calm down and stop what they were doing. But before I could think that he was trying to help me, he said, ‘If someone’s going to hit him, it’s going to be me, you know I hit the hardest,’ and suddenly he hit me in the back of the head so hard that I lost strength in my legs and nearly passed out. When they saw I was falling, they told me to get up, and then kicked me in the back. During all this time, the hat was still covering my face, and I couldn’t see anything. When they realized I couldn’t stand, they said, ‘Take him away,’ and they put me into some vehicle, where I still had the hat covering my face and couldn’t see anything. They took me to the Digomi police station. There, one boy was so badly beaten that his face was unrecognizable. I think his name was Saba. He was immediately transferred to the clinic. Both of his eyes were swollen shut, and he couldn’t see at all,” Luka recalls. story’s is the one that truly shook the Georgian society and prompted even more youngsters to protest. On the night of the protest, at 11 pm, Zviad arrived at rally with his brother, just as the special forces were using water cannons to disperse demonstrators on Chitadze Street. At the same time, a police cordon moved forward on Rustaveli avenue from Freedom Square. “This cordon pushed the crowd toward us, and we had to retreat. Suddenly, police officers came out from Chitadze Street and ran onto the Rustaveli Avenue sidewalk. I was in the area where one man was dragged away, another was being beaten, and a journalist was lying motionless in front of me. I narrowly escaped being arrested. They were spraying pepper spray everywhere, and it was hard to breathe. Everything was happening at once, and we couldn’t move forward,” recalls Zviad Maisashvili. Due to the uncontrollable situation, he fled towards the Rustaveli metro station. He had no protective equipment, having only worn a face mask to the protest. The demonstrators had already set up barricades. The special forces had quickly occupied the area in front of the parliament. “Where I was, it wasn’t the epicenter of the protest, and most of the people were already heading home. We heard that the police were coming from the upper streets to encircle the demonstrators. We started to move forward a bit, but my brother got left behind, so I turned back to find him. When we looked up, we saw the police coming down. Everything happened in seconds, and we ran. Within moments, other officers surrounded me and started kicking my legs. I screamed, ‘Don’t hit me,’ but they kept hitting me, and I blacked out. That’s all I remember”. Zviad Maisashvili was physically attacked by around ten police officers in front of the Rustaveli Theatre. The incident was broadcast live by the party member, Theona Chalidze. The footage shows him lying on the asphalt, helpless, when one of the policemen kicks him in the head with his heel when he was lying down, and almost immediate another policeman kicks him in the face. After that Zviad fell unconscious. He credits people who came to his aid and managed protect him from being detained- Nanka Kalatozishvili and Giorgi Bakhutashvili [well known actors in Georgia]. “They who helped me to a car, and I was taken to the clinic. When I woke up, I was already in a medical facility,” says Zviad, recalling the attack. were he change in Georgia’s foreign policy path in front of Parliament. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has charged them under Part 1 of Article 173, which pertains to disobedience or insult toward law enforcement officers. “I was standing peacefully. Five people came, dragged me, and beat me. Four men pulled me along. Along the way, many police officers saw me and hit me. I didn’t throw any stones, nor did I insult anyone”, said Avtandil Shavgulishvili during the trial, adding he was verbally abused all the way as well. “What did I do wrong? I asked, and they hit me in the head. They told me, ‘Don’t act like a fool,’” stated Demetre Khurtsilava in his testimony. Tornike Chelidze recalled that he was arrested by the special forces while leaving the protest to go home—he was pulled out of his car. All three of them testified that they were brutally beaten during their arrest. However, Judge Lela Tsagareishvili did not allow the lawyers to discuss the beatings issue, stating that it would not be addressed in this session and would only address the “disobedience” and “insults” to police officers. was beaten by police upon detention. “While being beaten, the detainees were spat on, cursed and shouted at as well as threatened with rape. The lawyer of the Legal Aid Network recalls that the beatings didn’t stop even after he put in a police minibus with other detainees – these minivan-type vehicles are used by the police to collect detainees for transfer to police precincts. “The minibus was a nightmare, there were all these beaten people sitting there, there was a pool of blood in the minibus – I saw an empty seat, I sat down. The person sitting next to me gave me a piece of cloth, he had also been beaten. When I started to clean my face, the door opened and the special forces officer had entered hit me again in the face. Then the door opened again and my brother and my friend were brought in. I was sitting closest to the door of the minibus, which opened three times in total, and everyone who entered hit me in the face. “The last time I covered my face with my hand and they kicked me,” Tornike recalls of the time before he was taken to the police station. recalls being beaten by special forces on the night of December 1-2 on Besiki Street: “Probably about 20-25 of the riot police were chasing us. When I turned around, the first thing that came to my mind was to start filming a video, but that irritated one of them so much that he ran at me and told me to turn off the phone. When I didn’t turn it off, he ripped it out of my hands, threw it on the ground, and slammed me against the wall. They were shouting terribly vulgar words at us. They were hitting us on the head. Several special forces officers were attacking two girls. Some of them chased the some guys, and I don’t know what happened to them. I was screaming ‘You’re from the same place as me, what’s wrong with you?” but nothing helped. Salome Zandukeli recalls that her and her friend then ran out of the building and took refuge in one of the bars on Rustaveli Avenue. But within three or four minutes, the whole avenue was surrounded by special forces and, fearing a raid, they turned off the lights in the bar, locked the door and turned off the TV. “Had they come inside, I don’t know what would have happened to us,” Salome Zandukeli shares. was arrested on the night of December 1-2 on Rustaveli Street. He had his hands up to show he is not aggressive, but was forced to pull hands down and attacked. He recalls: “They were swearing at me...They took me to the detention vehicle, and before that, they made me pass through their famous corridor, where around two hundred people were cursing at me. As soon as I lost sight of them, they shouted to the others, ‘This one threw a Molotov cocktail,’ and upon hearing that, another furious special forces officer started chasing me”. “Suddenly, I felt unbearable pain and realized something had happened to me. At that moment, I didn’t know I had a broken rib. They forced me to stand up, but I collapsed from the pain and crawled to the back of the minibus. It seems this was a special vehicle, as it didn’t have windows. It was very spacious inside... At some point, I found it hard to breathe. I heard someone say, ‘Don’t let him die’ (followed by more cursing).” who was detained on the night of November 28-29 says with his detainment aired live as he was dragged into the crowd of the police. The police started beating him relentlessly, leading him down the street. As Zviad recounts, they continued to push him to the car, while the officers were furious and continued hitting him, especially once the cameras were no longer in range. “They didn’t stop until they threw me into the car, and then, as we were temporarily stopped on Kakheti Highway, they kept insulting and beating me nonstop,” he says. In the car, Zviad was alone with the police officers. One of them, sitting in the front, deliberately punched him in the head and body. With his hands tied, Zviad could only turn toward the back seat to avoid the blows to his face. “They mostly insulted me and said they’d break me. They said, ‘We’re dragging you now, and we’ll see how you crack,'” Zviad recalls. “But they couldn’t break me.” At the temporary stop on the way to the detention facility, as Zviad recalls “they brought in a severely beaten-up guy and made him sign a statement saying he had fallen down the stairs. Then they turned to me and said, ‘See how the nice guys behave? You should act the same way,'” Zviad recounts. “I responded as necessary. After that, patrol police transferred me to the Zahesi temporary detention facility, where the beating stopped.”White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign

UDST Unveils Qatar's First Aeronautical Engineering Programme

Keene State men's hoops holds at No. 12 in poll entering breakIs the Target Stock Drop Overdone? Alternative Play: Long-Dated In-the-Money TGT Call Options

NEW DELHI: Giving a boost to BJP and its allies in bypolls at 48 assembly seats across 15 states, NDA emerged the dominant force, securing 26 seats. Among the big wins was UP's Kundarki constituency, which BJP picked up after 31 years. The seat had remained an SP stronghold since 2012. Continuing its dominance in Assam, BJP-led NDA secured all five seats, while the lone seat of Gambegre in Meghalaya was won by its ally NPP. BJP won Samaguri - a Congress bastion since 2001- for the first time with party nominee Diplu Ranjan Sarmah defeating Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain's son Tanzil Hussain. Congress was somewhat redeemed by news from Karnataka and Punjab. In Punjab, while AAP retained three out of four seats, Congress wrested Barnala from AAP. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue In Karnataka, Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Bharath Bommai, the third generation of Gowda and Bommai family respectively, lost, as the ruling Congress swept all three bypolls, including wresting Channapatna from JD(S). This seat was held by former CM H D Kumaraswamy in 2023 before he vacated it after winning the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. Congress' C P Yogeeshwara won the Channapatna segment defeating Nikhil Kumaraswamy, while Bharath Bommai lost to Congress' Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan in Shiggaon. In Sikkim, Aditya Golay (Tamang) and Satish Chandra Rai, both from Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), won uncontested. The bypoll results highlight a fragmented political landscape, with regional parties like TMC and AAP continuing to assert their influence, and BJP continuing its dominance in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. There were nine bypolls in all in Uttar Pradesh with BJP winning six seats and its ally RLD securing another. SP continued its dominance in its stronghold of Karhal (since 1993) and Sishamau (since 2012). In West Bengal, TMC swept all six seats in the state, including wresting Madarihat from BJP. The two Parliamentary bypolls saw contrasting Congress victories. While Priyanka Gandhi won the Wayanad seat in Kerala vacated by her brother Rahul Gandhi with a staggering margin, Congress candidate Ravindra Chavan scraped through after defeating BJP's Santukrao Marotrao Hambarde in a keen contest in Nanded in Maharashtra.Mayor of the city, Haji Zubair Ali on Saturday urged students to concentrate on their studies to excel in modern fields of information technology, environmental sciences and artificial intelligence. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held at Municipal Inter College Boys Wazir Bagh and distributed prizes among position holders in midterm examination. He emphasized the collective responsibility government, institutions, parents and students in priortizing education. He also urged parents to actively participate in their children’s education, ensuring they are well-informed about their progress. Later, the Mayor inspected ongoing renovation work at school. He directed display of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal portraits in classrooms. The ceremony honored students who secured first, second and third positions in the midterm examinations from Prep to 11th grade with cash prizes and shields. Principal Khalid Rehman commended the Mayor’s efforts in renovating the school and providing other facilities.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. One of the biggest savings events is happening sooner than ever this year, with early Black Friday sales and discounts already starting. Rather than dedicate a single day to slashed prices, Amazon is giving you eight days of Black Friday deals . That gives you additional time to stock up on holiday decor , gifts for music lovers and a little extra something for yourself. See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Amazon’s 2024 Black Friday deals start Thursday (Nov. 21) through next Friday (Nov. 29), featuring up to 61% off practically everything. You can expect new deals to be dropping each day until the sale ends and that includes on celebrity memoirs , over-ear headphones and viral skincare essentials that’ll upgrade your beauty routine. Even though you have a little over a week to snag some of Amazon’s best Black Friday deals, that doesn’t mean some of the most-wanted items aren’t going to sell out fast. To make sure you get all your gifting needs (without having to pay full price), you’ll want to hop on the savings sooner rather than later. Keep reading to discover some of the biggest Black Friday deals on Amazon now. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed when it comes to parsing through all of Amazon’s Black Friday deals, ShopBillboard made it easier by putting together a list of the best sales you can shop online now below. Geddy Lee’s memoir is on sale for a whopping 61% off and will give readers a closer look at the Rush bassit’s life straight from his point-of-view. You’ll be able to hear from Lee as he recounts the struggles and horrors his parents experienced as teenagers during the Holocaust as well as the events that convinced him to dropout of high school and pursue a lifelong career in music alongside his friends and bandmates. You can finally pursue your dream of being an NBA player in the latest version of the popular video game , updated for 2025. This new version includes upgraded gameplay and lifelike player animation to make you feel further immersed into the game. Amazon’s latest Kindle has dropped under $100 letting you take your reading on the go. The brand promises it to be their lightest version yet, allowing you to slip the Kindle into your purse without weighing your shoulder down. You can surf the Amazon store straight from your device and enjoy an adjustable display that’ll tell you your progress and how much time is left in a chapter. Pimple patches like Starfa c e have become the latest accessory that also doubles as a skin soother. Using 100% hydrocolloid, the patch will not only keep your acne covered, but will help remove fluid and reduce redness helping to minimize the look of pesky pimples. Channel your inner Olivia Rodrigo with a pair of Dr. Martens (a brand the “Vampire” singer commonly wore on stage). Outfits will be taken to new heights thanks to the platform sole while the shiny upper is made with a leather material that’s luxurious and smooth that’ll keep feet protected without sacrificing trendiness. Alicia Keys is treating fans to savings with discounts on her skincare brand — including her lightweight facial oil . It comes with squalane to help nourish skin and only requires a minimum of two drops to keep skin feeling hydrated and soft. Capture memories with a retro digital camera that features 44 megapixels for crystal clear photos you’ll want to display. You’ll get 32 GB for storage whether you’re snapping pics of your vacation or vlogging about your day. Another notable feature is the anti-shake that’ll keep your content smooth. At $100 off, you can score the Beats Solo 4 and enjoy hands-free listening without having to turn on your Bluetooth speaker. The design features elevated technology including noise-cancelling capabilities and a chic pink shade that’ll turn your listening device into a sleek accessory. Amazon’s popular shapewear bodysuit gets slashed 45% off letting you score savings and a smoother appearance. The design comes with compression around your stomach while allowing you to show off your curves without having to strap on a corset. Kate Spade has launched on Amazon meaning you can snag stellar savings on the designer brand’s bags. That includes half-off this luxurious shoulder purse that uses a pebbled leather fabric that’s trendy and sturdy allowing you to carry your phone, books and wallet elegantly. Slip your feet into total comfort with these popular Amazon slippers for less than $20. Besides showing off a cozy, casual vibe, the interior comes with a soft faux fur that’ll swaddle your feet in coziness while keeping them nice and warm. Enjoy a vintage music listening experience with modern tech that’ll let you listen to your vinyl collection in style. Victrola’s record player shows off a retro ’50s exterior you can put on display while the three-speed options lets you switch up what vinyl you play. There’s even a FM tuner knob and CD player to expand your listening options. Just Dance is back with its 2025 version that you can play straight on your Nintendo Switch. It’s the fist time that the game has been on sale for Black Friday with the limited-edition version including an exclusive Ariana Grande pack that’ll have you grooving to the singer’s hottest songs. Bose is making it simple to take your tunes with you in a lightweight form. The Soundlink Flex speaker was designed to be portable featuring a built-in handle you can attach to your bike or backpack while the Bluetooth compatibility makes it simple to instantly connect your smart device. You’ll easily be able to adjust the volume, connection and whether you want to skip or replay a song with the buttons on top. Save your hair from the heat with the help of Kitsch’s heatless curling set — that’s also TikTok viral. You’ll receive everything you could need to get a natural looking curl to your hair without having to worry about damaging your strands. Included is a silky yet flexible wand you can comfortably rest on your head and twist your hair around. Then, to keep everything in place, just add the included scrunchies. The celeb-used facial wand gets a major discount for Black Friday and includes a bonus serum. Solawave’s bundle incorporates light therapy, massage and gua sha to help improve skin’s tone and texture. Using the included serum will ensure the wand glides across skin while leaving behind a softer feel. Your upcoming travels won’t be complete without these sleek set of Samsonite luggage . Featuring a chic deep green shade, you’ll be able to easily spot the luggage at baggage claim while the hardshell exterior will ensure your belongings remain safe and dry. Plus, they’re expandable if you’re prone to overpacking. At under $20, Laura Geller’s Color-Correcting Powder will create a more matte complexion with just a single pat. It comes in a travel-friendly compact that’s easy to slip into your purse and uses a mix of shades that’ll help balance your skin tone with each use. More than 10,000 shoppers have purchased Bliss’ facial serum — and now you can score it for 50% off. The formula uses spa-grade vitamin C and tri-peptide ingredients that, once applied, will help boost and protect collagen levels and leave skin with a more glowing appearance. Refresh your entertainment system with Amazon’s top-rated smart TV from Insignia. For Black Friday, you can score it less than $100 and enjoy an HD picture on a 32-inch screen that’s slim and compact for those with smaller spaces. As a Fire TV, you’ll be able to use Amazon’s Alexa for hands-free control and quick-app accessibility. For more gifting recommendations, check out ShopBillboard ‘s roundups of the best gifts for men , Lego gift sets and gifts for gamers .

Trump's Wall Street head hunt puts spotlight on ApolloKristin Cavallari shares NSFW details about Morgan Wallen romance

The City boss is enduring the worst run of his glittering managerial career after a six-game winless streak featuring five successive defeats and a calamitous 3-3 draw in a match his side had led 3-0. The 53-year-old, who has won 18 trophies since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2027 just over a week ago. Yet, despite his remarkable successes, he still considers himself vulnerable to the sack and has pleaded with the club to keep faith. “I don’t want to stay in the place if I feel like I’m a problem,” said the Spaniard, who watched in obvious frustration as City conceded three times in the last 15 minutes in a dramatic capitulation against Feyenoord in midweek. “I don’t want to stay here just because the contract is there. “My chairman knows it. I said to him, ‘Give me the chance to try come back’, and especially when everybody comes back (from injury) and see what happens. “After, if I’m not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, (the past) nine years are dead. “More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance. “Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it.” City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this term, most pertinently to midfield talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Euro 2024 winner is expected to miss the remainder of the season and his absence has been keenly felt over the past two months. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also not started a match since September. The pressure continues to build with champions City facing a crucial trip to title rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would leave City trailing Arne Slot’s side by 11 points. “I don’t enjoy it at all, I don’t like it,” said Guardiola of his side’s current situation. “I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. “The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now. “But I’m the same person who won the four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.” Guardiola is confident his side will not stop battling as they bid to get back on track. He said: “The people say, ‘Yeah, it’s the end of that’. Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end. “What can you do? Cry for that? You don’t stay long – many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for, this is the best (way). “Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?”

By Richard Ogwuche Guest Columnist I n one of his illuminating commentaries, Don Simpson, entrepreneur, educator, and mentor, captured in poignant terms the qualities possessed by renaissance leaders. According to him, these leaders accelerate cross-boundary learning, lead systemic change, think back from the future, drive performance with passion, apply a global mindset and practice personal mastery. Given his track record at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), it is an incontrovertible fact that the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, brought these attributes to bear when he was appointed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as the 19th group managing director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in July 2019. His impactful years in the saddle guiding the transition of the oil behemoth to a limited liability company is an inspiring success story woven around hard work, resilience, accountability and growth. The resumed operations of the Port Harcourt refinery engineered by Kyari after successful rehabilitation and modernization of the refinery broke a jinx of over two decades that had hitherto hovered over the country’s four ailing refineries like the sword of Damocles. Nothing in the mien of the self-effacing corporate titan prepared Nigerians for the lifting news that broke on November 26, 2024, when it was announced that the refinery had finally resumed operations; not even his assurances when work was in progress that he would get the job done. After all, past administrations had made similar promises and failed to deliver. Apart from Kyari, the capable team he had assembled and, perhaps, the President who I believe he made it a point of duty to brief on the progress of work, the vast majority of cynical Nigerians had given up on the refineries. For him, the eternal words of John C. Maxwell to the effect that, “Success doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it, and that takes discipline” held special meaning. So, in spite of the prevailing disbelief, Kyari plodded on with the implementation of a carefully planned rehabilitation; he was consumed by the determination to succeed where others had failed. For those abreast with his work ethic, zeal, and unspoken determination, this milestone achievement was not the first time that Kyari would shatter records he met on the ground when he assumed office. At inception, he unleashed a raft of far-reaching transformative reforms, so consequential that they not only placed the company on a competitive pedestal but also prepared it for the challenges of a future in a competitive business environment devoid of government handouts. The task of guiding the much maligned state hydrocarbon company to respectability and profitability demanded a strong passion and unwavering commitment without which his lofty vision for the revival and transformation of the company would have died on arrival. Kyari’s vast experience in the company he joined in 1991, his understanding of its inner workings and uncanny insight of how to deal with the challenges prepared him for the task at hand. He anchored his plan for the rebirth of NNPC on the TAPE Agenda (Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence), a five-step strategic road map, which he envisioned as the vehicle for the attainment of efficiency and global excellence in the company’s operational processes. His TAPE Agenda created a new system that adhered to well-defined operational processes anchored on acceptable international standards and global best practices. The system he established operated the right operational cost structure that guaranteed value addition for sustained profitability; at the same time, the TAPE Strategic Road Map developed governance structures for the strategic business units of the company to realize its goals and performance standards. The sole aim of the reforms was to ensure an open and transparent NNPC. In a move unprecedented in the history of the company and pursuant to his drive towards transparency and accountability, Kyari directed the timely publication of the corporation’s audited accounts. From this record-shattering move, the first in its 44 years history, it was easy to glean from the audited accounts that the corporation declared a profit after tax (PAT) of N287 billion for the year 2020, the first in its 44 year history. Also, the corporation’s losses were reduced from N803 billion in 2018 to N1.7 billion in 2019. Kyari’s trailblazing efforts have continued to tumble records. The drive by major players in the oil and and gas sector to achieve the full deregulation of the sector took about 20 years in the making. The enactment of this landmark piece of legislation into law by President Buhari in August 2021 had the imprimatur of Mele Kyari, who rallied diverse stakeholders behind what he believed would have profound impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He worked tirelessly to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and to secure necessary approvals from the Buhari administration. He actively participated in various public hearings organized by the National Assembly, where he passionately appealed to the lawmakers to pass the bill into law. The Petroleum Industry Act provided the legal framework for the transformation of NNPC into a public liability company; NNPCL came into existence as a result of the PIA under the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). This consequential law signaled a new beginning for the oil and gas sector; it has created more transparent and competitive environment in the oil and gas industry and delivered a better deal to oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta and elsewhere. The law also led to the establishment of new regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority. His commitment to the transformation of the industry went beyond the PIA; he initiated the process of divesting NNPC’s non-core assets, led the development of the NNPC’s 2020-2024 Strategic Roadmap envisioned to transform the organization into a more efficient and profitable entity. He also successfully negotiated $1.2 billion loan from the World Bank to assist the organization in finance its capital expenditure projects. Under his leadership and guidance, NNPC has forged strong partnership with global EITI to further entrench the culture of transparency and accountability and ensure that the organization’s processes are operated in line with global standards and international best practices. With Kyari at the helm, NNPC is one of the few major players in the extractive industry that adhere strictly to EITI standards through open reporting and transparent disclosures of details of finances and operations. The repositioning of NNPC under Kyari’s leadership in line with the reality of global energy transitions has been remarkable. Under his guidance, NNPC has demonstrated readiness and determination to achieve carbon neutrality through the use of the country’s abundant natural gas resources as a low carbon alternative that will help improve access to energy. To achieve this goal, NNPC established a Renewable Energy Division and transformed the NNPC R & D Division to NNPC Research, Technology and Innovation as part of the plan to transit to what he calls ‘Energy Company of Global Excellence.” In May 2022, NNPC and Sahara Group, a leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, took delivery of two 23,000 CBM Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessels at the Hyundai MIPO Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, with plans to add 10 vessels in 10 years to enhance Africa’s energy transition to cleaner fuels. Kyari sees the vessels as critical to driving government’s commitment to the domestication of gas in Nigeria through a plethora of initiatives, one of which is the LPG Expansion Plan geared towards encouraging the use of gas in households, power generation, auto-gas and industrial applications, in order to attain five million metric tonnes of LPG consumption by next year. As part of its concerted effort to boost the existing 1.6bscf of gas supply for the domestic market, the company has also perfected plans to deliver 12 compressed natural gas (CNG) mother stations and mini LNG plants soon. This move is part of ongoing efforts by the company to improve its supply chain, develop new refining capacities and expand the retail network. Kyari has successfully guided the diversification of NNPC beyond its traditional oil assets. With the pledge to take over the engine lubricants in the country, the company, through one of its subsidiaries, NNPC Retail Limited, launched a range of lubricant products. The range include Nitro Diamond, Nitro Gold, Nitro Super 40, Nitro 2T engine oils, and many more. After five years of an unrelenting work ethic powered by a robust vision, positive signs point to growth and irreversible progress. The ongoing revival and transformation in the fortunes of NNPC are not an accidental occurrence but a product of deliberate planning anchored on visionary leadership. The record-breaker at the helm of NNPC has proven that, with grit, passion, commitment, belief and the right temperament, positive change is possible. Like old wine, he is getting better by the day; in the diverse portfolios of the company, his enduring leadership, revolutionary aesthetics, the transparency and high accountability threshold he has entrenched in the governance structure of the organization are paving way for the realization of his pledge to transform the company into a world-class company comparable to other players all over the world. With his impressive work ethic and steaming energy level, the attainment of the lofty goals he has for himself and NNPC is set to be achieved and even surpassed in the years ahead. • Ogwuche, a commentator on public affairs, contributed this commentary from Area 1, Abuja FCTAfter half a decade of testing and an investment of nearly $300 million, the federal government is still years away from fully implementing its next-generation pay and human resource cloud platform to replace the problem-plagued Phoenix payroll system. Moving more than 360,000 federal workers onto a cloud-based system will require hiring more contractors and re-opening union agreements to streamline pay categories. The government is also considering building a new data hub to clean and standardize employment information from departments before it's transferred to the new Dayforce platform. Alex Benay, the associate deputy minister at Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) acknowledged to CTV News that the government may have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more on building its NextGen-PayHR platform before it even starts operating. PSPC says it will outline its implementation strategy and provide a final cost estimate by 2026. The Government of Canada’s commitment to increasing accessibility in the public service and its selection of a third-place vendor may also be contributing to prolonged timelines and escalating costs. Alex Benay, associate deputy minister of Public Service and Procurement Canada. Benay stands in front of the inspiration wall with words written by his pay transformation team. Why did Canada choose a third-place bid? Dayforce’s software needs to be redesigned and re-tooled to meet the complex requirements of the federal government. The Toronto-based company, formally known as Ceridian, has dedicated 250 employees to the NextGen project. They work in collaboration with a team of 126 federal public servants. The number of people on the project is expected to grow over the next two-and-a-half years. CTV News has learned that Dayforce had placed last out of three competing vendors when it was awarded the NextGen-PayHR contract in 2021. The top bid was SAP, followed by Workday, then Dayforce. Benay says the contract was awarded before he took over responsibility for NextGen PayHR, but says it’s his understanding that government selected Dayforce because it was “the most flexible.” “After the RFP, what happened is we started throwing more things at all three of the companies (like) accessibility legislation, official languages legislation - and (Dayforce) was most willing to play,” said Benay in an interview with CTV National News. Just over six per cent of federal public servants have disabilities, which is lower than the national average of 9.1 per cent. The government’s accessibility strategy aims to increase the number of employees with disabilities to 5,000 people by 2025. “Accessibility is a core principle of our country. It's based in law and so is official languages. We think it’s extremely serious that suppliers that come and bid on projects for the Government of Canada can meet our basic national values. So, for us, that’s not a negotiation point,” said Benay. Accessibility criteria SAP was the frontrunner to win the bid because it had previously been awarded the 2019 NextGen pilot project. According to four separate government and private sector sources, SAP withdrew in the summer of 2021 after being selected for the massive project. Sources say federal officials made additional accessibility and language demands that were not specified in the government’s original request for proposal (RFP). In an email to CTV News, SAP said it met all the requirements of the RFP and resulting contract, and that its software and web-applications are tested against the European Union EN301 549 standard as well as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Level 2.2. Those are the same requirements that were outlined in the government’s RFP. Documents seen by CTV News indicate that the federal government then offered the contract to Workday, requesting that the company confirm its willingness to honour its technical and financial bid without “any changes to the terms and conditions stipulated.” Workday responded that it agreed to honour the terms of the original RFP and requested a meeting to discuss new caveats. Federal negotiators responded that Canada was “not in a position to negotiate any terms and conditions.” No meeting was scheduled, and less than a week later, the contract was awarded to Dayforce. Workday is currently providing NextGen HR services to a handful of smaller and highly secure departments such as CSIS, CSE and FINTRAC. In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson said that this work includes “Workday agreeing to and meeting a set of accessibility and Official Language requirements which we are proud to support in line with our commitment to providing an inclusive single user experience and accessibility in design.” Neither SAP nor Workday filed complaints about the procurement process. Viable but not ready Dayforce’s founder David Ossip is Canadian and its vice president of public sector revenue enablement and strategy, Gianluca Cairo, previously worked for a minister in Justin Trudeau’s government. Cairo was the chief of staff to former innovation minister Navdeep Bains before he was hired by Dayforce in 2019. Of the $289 million dollars the government has invested in the NextGen initiative, the bulk $171 million has been used to pay Dayforce to build a customized platform for the federal government. According to the NextGen HR and Pay Final Findings Report released in February, after two years of analysis, the government of Canada will need to develop “critical” tools and infrastructure and “significant resource investment” before 130 departments can start using Dayforce. According to the report, Dayforce was deemed “viable” but not ready to be rolled out. Its software solution met 85 per cent of the government's 582 requirements. But there were 90 gaps. These technological holes were related to complex scheduling and pay brackets across roles ranging from ships’ officers to nurses to correctional officers. Factors such as 24-hour scheduling and temporary acting roles posed problems for Dayforce. According to the report, 18 of these shortcomings were gaps that Dayforce “cannot meet now... and that planned future product development will not address.” “These gaps exist mainly because of a lack of alignment between unique GC rules and industry best practices for some HR processes, which are critical to producing accurate and timely pay,” the report found. Patching these critical holes will require re-opening nearly 150 labour agreements with 18 unions to simplify pay processes so they can be imputed into Dayforce. Bargaining required Benay says PSPC plans to meet with union representatives next week to explain what’s needed. Some fixes could be as simple as getting every department to agree to start new employees on the same day of the week, but others may involve renegotiating contracts to change terms to align with Dayforce. Jennifer Carr, the president of the Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), says PIPSC wants the government to pay its workforce on time, but it won’t agree to simplifications which will result in “rollbacks” for its 70,000 scientists, IT workers and professionals. “We’re not interested in losing any of our rights. We have collectively bargained these rights and it is our entitlement,” says Carr. She’s also concerned about escalating costs and stretched timelines. “We could have helped them build something in house and the government chose to go with a contracted-out solution which in our mind is just more costly for taxpayers,” said Carr. Benay says they’re currently at the “design and build stage” and that the Dayforce solution will not go “LIVE” until all the gaps are addressed. The government has put out a request for information from contractors for cost estimates to build a data hub to bridge the transition to the Dayforce solution. The federal government is aiming to roll out Dayforce NextGen in 2027, one department at a time. But before that, it must test every cloud extension and run a parallel pay system to Phoenix for at least six months to ensure there are no glitches. The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), which represents 25,000 public servants, appreciates PSPC’s cautious approach. “This is about restoring trust with Canadian taxpayers that you’re not going to create another boondoggle,” said Nathan Prier, CAPE’s president. Prier says CAPE’s members are still facing financial pressures stemming from the Phoenix debacle which has cost taxpayers $3.5 billion. “We’re glad they’re taking their time to do pilots and implement things slowly here. We need to be at the table discussing every step of the way...We’re still dealing with the Phoenix disaster. Our members are still facing significant financial pressures stemming from being underpaid, overpaid and not paid at all.” MORE POLITICS NEWS Conservatives decry 'procedural nonsense' as NDP forces House debate on abortion Government asks for third extension on court deadline to pass 'lost Canadians' bill Former cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault tells committee: 'I am not Indigenous' 'Utterly absurd': Freeland rebuffs Poilievre's offer of two hours to present fall economic statement Trudeau, ministers and opposition leaders address AFN gathering in Ottawa Tariffs on Chinese EVs, aluminum and steel to raise federal revenues by $473M: PBO Canada may have to spend millions more before new payment system can be used Trudeau says Poilievre 'not able' to unite to defend Canada against Trump threats IN DEPTH Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement that had been helping keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberals in power. 'Not the result we wanted': Trudeau responds after surprise Conservative byelection win in Liberal stronghold Conservative candidate Don Stewart winning the closely-watched Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection, and delivering a stunning upset to Justin Trudeau's candidate Leslie Church in the long-time Liberal riding, has sent political shockwaves through both parties. 'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it. Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports. 'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday. Opinion opinion | Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election? opinion | Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus. opinion | Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place. opinion | Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point. opinion | Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing. CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Earthquake strikes off California; tsunami warning issued The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for parts of California and Oregon after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the U.S. Pacific coast on Thursday. LIVE UPDATES | Health insurance CEO's wife says threats received prior to fatal shooting The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson used ammunition emblazoned with the words 'deny,' 'defend' and 'depose,' a law enforcement official said Thursday. Here's the latest. Man wanted for military desertion turns himself in at Canada-U.S. border A man wanted for deserting the U.S. military 16 years ago was arrested at the border in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this week. 'At the dawn of a third nuclear age,' senior U.K. commander warns The head of Britain’s armed forces has warned that the world stands at the cusp of a 'third nuclear age,' defined by multiple simultaneous challenges and weakened safeguards that kept previous threats in check. AI modelling predicts these foods will be hit hardest by inflation next year The new year won’t bring a resolution to rising food costs, according to a new report that predicts prices to rise as much as five per cent in 2025. Alleged Alberta Bitcoin extortionist, arsonist arrested Authorities have arrested Finbar Hughes, a man wanted in connection with alleged plots in Calgary and Edmonton that threatened to burn victims' homes if they did not pay him Bitcoin ransoms. Pete Davidson, Jason Sudeikis and other former 'SNL' cast members reveal how little they got paid Live from New York, it’s revelations about paydays on 'Saturday Night Live.' Congo government says it's 'on alert' over mystery flu-like disease that killed dozens Congo’s health minister said Thursday the government is on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people. 'Kids are scared': Random attacks have residents of small-city N.L. shaken Mount Pearl, near St. John's, has been the scene for three random attacks in November. Police have arrested and charged seven youth. Canada BREAKING | B.C. officials monitoring tsunami threat after 7.3M earthquake off California Emergency management officials in British Columbia say they are monitoring for any potential tsunami threats after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning. Alleged Alberta Bitcoin extortionist, arsonist arrested Authorities have arrested Finbar Hughes, a man wanted in connection with alleged plots in Calgary and Edmonton that threatened to burn victims' homes if they did not pay him Bitcoin ransoms. Renewed calls for policy changes following stabbing in downtown Vancouver There are calls for policy changes when it comes to public safety, following Wednesday’s stabbing in the downtown core. 'Name what things are': Recognizing 'femicide' 35 years after the Montreal massacre Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, Annie Ross, a mechanical engineering professor at Polytechnique Montreal, said she often thinks of those who lived through the tragedy but still suffer silently. P.E.I. town backs away from pickleball plan that prompted mayor to resign A central P.E.I. town has decided not to proceed with a contentious pickleball plan that cost the community its mayor. 'Kids are scared': Random attacks have residents of small-city N.L. shaken Mount Pearl, near St. John's, has been the scene for three random attacks in November. Police have arrested and charged seven youth. World DEVELOPING | Ammunition used in CEO's killing had 'deny,' 'defend' and 'depose' written on it, AP source says The masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words 'deny,' 'defend' and 'depose,' a law enforcement official said Thursday. Man wanted for military desertion turns himself in at Canada-U.S. border A man wanted for deserting the U.S. military 16 years ago was arrested at the border in Buffalo, N.Y. earlier this week. France's Macron to address nation day after no-confidence vote topples government French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation Thursday following the resignation of ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a day after a historic no-confidence vote at the National Assembly left France without a functioning government. Israeli court rejects Netanyahu's request to limit how often he'll testify An Israeli court on Thursday rejected a request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit the number of days each week he'll have to testify when he finally takes the the stand in his years-long corruption trial. Father of victim in NYC subway chokehold case sues defendant Daniel Penny The father of the victim at the center of the fatal New York City subway chokehold trial has sued the defendant as a Manhattan jury continues to deliberate the case Thursday. Norwegian court rejects mass killer Anders Behring Breivik's 2nd bid for parole Politics Conservatives decry 'procedural nonsense' as NDP forces House debate on abortion A surprise tactical move by the NDP forced a debate in the House of Commons on abortion access Thursday morning, sidelining a Conservative motion designed to use NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh's own words against him. Government asks for third extension on court deadline to pass 'lost Canadians' bill Immigration Minister Marc Miller says the government is seeking a third extension to a court-mandated deadline to pass legislation that grants citizenship to 'lost Canadians.' Former cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault tells committee: 'I am not Indigenous' Randy Boissonnault, whose shifting claims to Indigenous identity cost him his job as employment minister, told a House of Commons committee today that he is not Indigenous. Health What not to do when hanging up Christmas lights The magic of the holidays wouldn't be complete for many people without Christmas lights, but there are some important tips to know before you set up your ladder. Health Canada recalls more than 300 sexual enhancement products in four provinces Health Canada has recalled hundreds of different sexual enhancements products from stores in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C. Dark chocolate linked to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, study says Eating at least five tiny servings of dark chocolate each week may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21 per cent, according to a new observational study. In fact, as dark chocolate consumption increased from none to five servings, so did the benefits, the study found. Sci-Tech NASA's first astronaut flight around the moon in decades faces more delays NASA announced more delays Thursday in sending astronauts back to the moon more than 50 years after Apollo. Facial recognition to board a plane: How does it work, and what are the privacy concerns? Air Canada has launched facial recognition technology at the gate for people flying out of Vancouver International Airport - with the promise of a faster boarding process with fewer hassles. Meta says generative AI had muted impact on global elections this year Despite widespread concern that generative AI could interfere with major elections around the globe this year, the technology had limited impact across Meta Platforms' META.O apps, the tech company said on Tuesday. Entertainment Creative Taylor Swift fans craft ways around bracelet rules for Vancouver shows When BC Place stadium announced a ban on loose objects and large bags for Taylor Swift's upcoming shows in Vancouver, it put some Swifties in a bind — what to do with the hundreds of friendship bracelets that are traditionally swapped at the superstar's shows? Saskatchewan singer receives surprise message from King Charles III Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jeffrey Straker received an early Christmas present recently, from King Charles III. These are Canada's favourite musicians, according to Spotify Wrapped 2024 One particular artist dominated the charts in Canada, and country music exploded in popularity this year, according to Spotify. Business Bitcoin has surpassed the US$100,000 mark as the post-election rally continues. What's next? Bitcoin topped US$100,000 for the first time as a massive rally in the world's most popular cryptocurrency, largely accelerated by the election of Donald Trump, rolls on. TD Bank warns of challenging 2025 after profit miss; BMO earnings fall short Canada's No.2 bank TD Bank on Thursday warned of a challenging 2025 and suspended its medium term earnings forecast as it works through its anti-money laundering remediation program following a U.S. regulatory probe. Jeff Bezos says he is 'optimistic' about a new Trump term and can help with cutting regulations Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said Wednesday he is “optimistic” about President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and expressed some excitement about potential regulatory cutbacks in the coming years. Lifestyle What not to do when hanging up Christmas lights The magic of the holidays wouldn't be complete for many people without Christmas lights, but there are some important tips to know before you set up your ladder. Here’s what child development experts think about the 'beige mom' trend While the parents are often criticized for their choices in neutral tones, experts say the colours don’t matter as long as there is variety and diversity in other areas of the child’s life. 2 winning tickets sold for $80-million Lotto Max jackpot There are two winners of the $80 million Lotto Max jackpot, Ontario Lottery and Gaming has announced. The prize will be split between the holders of two tickets sold in Quebec and Alberta. Sports Jays slugger Guerrero wins 2024 Tip O'Neill award as top Canadian player Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been named the 2024 winner of the Tip O'Neill award. Toronto Tempo unveiled as handle for new WNBA team as leak accelerates unveiling Canada's new WNBA franchise will be called the Toronto Tempo, a handle officially unveiled with some haste Thursday morning after it was leaked the previous day. George Russell accuses Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behaviour as F1 feud deepens Mercedes driver George Russell has accused Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behaviour as a dispute between the two at last week's race in Qatar deepened Thursday. Autos Honda to recall more than 200,000 SUVs in Canada, U.S. over fuel leak concern Honda is recalling approximately 12,000 vehicles in Canada Electric vehicle reliability improving but lagging gas models: Consumer Reports survey The reliability of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids has dramatically improved, narrowing a wide gap with gas-powered automobiles, according to the latest survey by Consumer Reports. OPEC+ oil producers' alliance postpones production increases as crude prices stagnate Eight members of the OPEC+ alliance of oil exporting countries decided Thursday to put off increasing oil production as they face weaker than expected demand and competing production from non-allied countries — factors that could keep oil prices stagnant into next year. Local Spotlight N.S. woman finds endangered leatherback sea turtle washed up on Cape Breton beach Mary Janet MacDonald has gone for walks on Port Hood Beach, N.S., most of her life, but in all those years, she had never seen anything like the discovery she made on Saturday: a leatherback sea turtle. 'It moved me': Person returns stolen Prada bag to Halifax store; owner donates proceeds A Halifax store owner says a person returned a Prada bag after allegedly stealing it. 'It's all about tradition': Bushwakker marking 30 years of blackberry mead The ancient art of meadmaking has become a holiday tradition for Regina's Bushwakker Brewpub, marking 30 years of its signature blackberry mead on Saturday. Alberta photographer braves frigid storms to capture the beauty of Canadian winters Most people want to stay indoors when temperatures drop to -30, but that’s the picture-perfect condition, literally, for Angela Boehm. N.S. teacher, students help families in need at Christmas for more than 25 years For more than a quarter-century, Lisa Roach's middle school students have been playing the role of Santa Claus to strangers during the holidays. N.S. girl battling rare disease surprised with Taylor Swift-themed salon day A Nova Scotia girl battling a rare disease recently had her 'Wildest Dreams' fulfilled when she was pampered with a Swiftie salon day. Winnipeg city councillor a seven-time provincial arm wrestling champ A Winnipeg city councillor doesn’t just have a strong grip on municipal politics. Watch: Noisy throng of sea lions frolic near Jericho Beach A large swarm of California sea lions have converged in the waters near Vancouver’s Jericho and Locarno beaches. Auburn Bay residents brave the cold to hold Parade of Lights It was pretty cold Saturday night, but the hearts of those in a southeast Calgary neighbourhood warmed right up during a big annual celebration. Vancouver BREAKING | B.C. officials monitoring tsunami threat after 7.3M earthquake off California Emergency management officials in British Columbia say they are monitoring for any potential tsunami threats after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning. B.C. launches review of 911 services after complaints about costs, transparency British Columbia is launching a review of the province's 911 emergency service after complaints about escalating costs and lack of transparency. B.C. artist fills front yard with towering stone sculptures You may notice the swirling symbol that he “painted” with a power-washer on the sidewalk first. Toronto 'It was like I was brainwashed': 2 Ontarians lose $230K to separate AI-generated cryptocurrency ad scams Two Ontarians collectively lost $230,000 after falling victim to separate AI-generated social media posts advertising fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. 'Enough is enough:' Doug Ford says municipalities will be given 'enhanced tools' to respond to encampments Ontario Premier Doug Ford is promising new legislation to target homeless encampments around the province and is threatening to use the notwithstanding clause to get it done. GTA gears up for another week of snow and rain Environment Canada says GTA residents can expect more snow and showers in the coming week, as the sun beams down after the first snow. Calgary Glenmore Landing redevelopment defeated by vote at Calgary council Calgary city council has defeated a motion to rezone a piece of land in Glenmore Landing to allow for a high-density development in the area. Not feeling the effects of the growing economy? Welcome to the ‘vibecession’ A new term is making the rounds to describe the current disconnect between economic forecasts and personal sentiment. Alleged Alberta Bitcoin extortionist, arsonist arrested Authorities have arrested Finbar Hughes, a man wanted in connection with alleged plots in Calgary and Edmonton that threatened to burn victims' homes if they did not pay him Bitcoin ransoms. Ottawa Federal government announces $8 million funding investment for Ottawa’s Bronson Centre Ottawa’s Bronson Centre is getting a major upgrade after the federal government announced an $8 million investment Thursday. Ottawa family urge government to approve husband and father's paperwork to get him back from Lebanon Being home for the holidays is a common desire at this time of year, but for one Ottawa family, they say it's a life-saving request. Periods of snow to continue in Ottawa on Thursday Environment Canada has lifted the winter weather travel advisory for Ottawa. The forecast calls for Ottawa to receive another 2 cm of snow on Thursday. Montreal WEATHER | Montreal hit with first major snow fall of the year Montrealers woke up on Thursday to the first real dump of snow as winter looks ready to set in. The majority of 17-month-old babies in Quebec use a screen every day: study Screens have found their way into families and are now an integral part of everyday life. Even under the age of two, babies in Quebec are using screens every day. Toddlers from low-income households use screens more frequently, according to a report by the Quebec statistics institute (ISQ) published on Thursday. Montreal posts big home sales gains in November as median prices continue to rise Montreal-area home sales rose 47 per cent in November compared with a year ago as the province's real estate board says the region saw the second-most activity for the month since 2000. Edmonton LIVE @ 11:30 A.M. MT | Federal minister in Edmonton for health care improvement announcement Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and federal Health Minister Mark Holland will announce an improvement to health care in the province on Thursday. 30 robberies involving the swarming of store employees reported to Edmonton police The Edmonton Police Service is warning of a new shoplifting trend where groups of young people swarm store employees to steal expensive products. With both coming off shutout losses, Oilers take on Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their five-game Western Conference road trip on Thursday when they face the Edmonton Oilers. Atlantic Weather update: Conditions in the Maritimes change Thursday night In the thick of a mix of snow and rain, accompanied in some cases by high winds, the Maritimes will see a change in weather conditions Thursday night into Friday. Storm brings snow, wind and rain to the Maritimes; some N.B. schools closed Thursday A number of weather warnings remain in place across the Maritimes Thursday due to an early December storm that’s bringing snow, strong winds and rain to the region. Police search for Halifax bank robber who fled on bike Halifax Regional Police are searching for a suspect in connection with a robbery at a city bank. Winnipeg Massive spike in Jordan’s Principle spending, Manitoba requests In the last five years, the number of approved Jordan’s Principle requests and the subsequent spending have nearly tripled. 'Iconic Winnipeg Christmas tradition': A look at Canada Life's Three Wise Men statues A sign of the jolliest time of year is once again making its appearance near downtown Winnipeg, signalling the start of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 'There's a nostalgia': The Garry Theatre’s silver screen set to shine again The Garry Theatre sits vacant and shuttered on Manitoba Avenue in Selkirk. Inside, posters for movies that never got the chance to run still cling to its walls. But the silver screen is set to shine once again in the City of Selkirk. Regina Ottawa providing more than $265M to help Sask. upgrade electrical grid, build renewable power projects The federal government says it will be providing Saskatchewan with more than $265 million to help build more renewable power projects as well as modernize and upgrade the province’s electrical grid. Increased RCMP presence continues on White Bear First Nation Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes continues to investigate the suspicious death of a 33-year-old man on White Bear First Nation. Saskatchewan singer receives surprise message from King Charles III Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jeffrey Straker received an early Christmas present recently, from King Charles III. Kitchener developing | Arrest made, replica firearm seized, after early morning standoff in Stratford One woman has been sent to hospital as Stratford Police investigate an intimate violence investigation Thursday morning. One person sent to hospital after collision near Brantford One person was sent to hospital after a collision involving a tractor trailer and a pedestrian near Brantford early Thursday morning. jeewan chanicak no longer Waterloo Regional District School Board director The Waterloo Region District School Board is under new leadership. Saskatoon 'Acts of aggression' increase on Saskatoon Transit, violence against drivers drops Mike Moellenbeck, director of Saskatoon Transit, said "acts of aggression" can be classified as an intent to do harm, but physical violence hasn't happened. Ottawa providing more than $265M to help Sask. upgrade electrical grid, build renewable power projects The federal government says it will be providing Saskatchewan with more than $265 million to help build more renewable power projects as well as modernize and upgrade the province’s electrical grid. Saskatoon boy, 16, faces first-degree murder charge in death of woman found outside the Copper Mug A 16-year-old boy faces a first-degree murder charge in the case of a woman found dead in an 8th Street parking lot last month. Northern Ontario Four transport truck drivers charged in northern Ont. collisions on Hwy. 11 Bad weather and bad driving contributed to multiple collisions on Highway 11 on Wednesday, leading to charges for several commercial motor vehicle drivers. Suspect from Manitoulin Island charged in carjacking near Estaire, second suspect still at large Two people, including a 37-year-old Manitoulin Island man, are facing charges after an armed carjacking south of Sudbury last week. Layoffs at Vale's Sudbury operations not affecting members of Local 6500 Some non-union staff at Vale in the Sudbury area are being laid off, but the company is not saying how many and what positions are being affected. London Digital billboard comes loose over Veterans Memorial Parkway Emergency crews on scene at Veterans Memorial Parkway near Gore Road for a large digital billboard came loose from an overpass and is hanging down blocking traffic. Perth declares 'significant weather event,' road closures and hydro outages reported If you’re begging for the snow to stop, unfortunately reprieve is not on the way just yet. Increased police presence in relation to reported missing person OPP and London police are notifying the public of an increased police presence as it relates to a person reported missing. The presence will be in the area of Hawk Cliff Road at Dexter Line in Union, Ont., north of Port Stanley. Barrie Snow squall warning issued for Simcoe County, with up to 50 cm of snow possible Snow squall warnings for most of central Ontario with snow accumulations up to 50 centimetres likely. Crews attend 2 separate tractor-trailer collisions on Hwy 11 Heavy tow equipment was called to two separate collisions involving tractor-trailers Wednesday evening along Highway 11 as snow squalls picked up through the area making driving conditions messy. Barrie mayor applauds Ford's pledge to help deal with homeless encampments in public spaces Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is applauding Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his pledge to back municipalities dealing with homeless encampments in public spaces. Windsor 14-year-old boys charged with gunpoint robbery and kidnapping Windsor police officers have arrested two 14-year-old boys related to a kidnapping and gunpoint robbery in south Windsor. Hit-and-run crash investigated at St. Clair College MediaPlex building Windsor police say they are investigating a hit-and-run crash at the St. Clair College MediaPlex building. 'Enough is enough:' Doug Ford says municipalities will be given 'enhanced tools' to respond to encampments Ontario Premier Doug Ford is promising new legislation to target homeless encampments around the province and is threatening to use the notwithstanding clause to get it done. Vancouver Island BREAKING | B.C. officials monitoring tsunami threat after 7.3M earthquake off California Emergency management officials in British Columbia say they are monitoring for any potential tsunami threats after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off California on Thursday morning. Creative Taylor Swift fans craft ways around bracelet rules for Vancouver shows When BC Place stadium announced a ban on loose objects and large bags for Taylor Swift's upcoming shows in Vancouver, it put some Swifties in a bind — what to do with the hundreds of friendship bracelets that are traditionally swapped at the superstar's shows? B.C. launches review of 911 services after complaints about costs, transparency British Columbia is launching a review of the province's 911 emergency service after complaints about escalating costs and lack of transparency. 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. Lethbridge Lethbridge peace officer charged in relation to more than 10-year-old incident A Lethbridge police community peace officer has been charged with an off-duty incident stemming from more than 10 years ago. Lethbridge homeless support facilities expanding to cope with increasing demand Lethbridge has seen its population of people experiencing homelessness increase significantly over recent years, but help is coming, as construction is underway on an expansion of the Lethbridge Shelter. Southern Alberta man sentenced in 2021 killing A southern Alberta man has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years, less time served, in connection with a fatal attack on Linden Grier more than three years ago. Sault Ste. Marie New addition to the CTV Northern Ontario family The CTV Northern Ontario family got a little bigger Tuesday when longtime anchor Marina Moore and her husband welcomed their second baby into the world. Some Ontario food banks are making cuts, Timmins is not A new report from Feed Ontario indicates food banks in the province have reduced the amount of food they provide, but the situation is not as bleak in Timmins. Northern Ont. MPP calls for increased winter training for truckers A Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) from northern Ontario presented a bill at Queen’s Park calling for increased winter driving training for truckers. N.L. 'Kids are scared': Random attacks have residents of small-city N.L. shaken Mount Pearl, near St. John's, has been the scene for three random attacks in November. Police have arrested and charged seven youth. 'They're sitting ducks:' More women with disabilities unhoused due to abuse, violence New data show women with disabilities are more likely to be forced into homelessness because of violence or abuse. GivingTuesday: Food banks need help, but charity won't end hunger, advocates say It's GivingTuesday, and some directors of food banks and anti-poverty groups say the day underlines a conundrum for their organizations. Stay Connected