CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. After 56 hours of travel to Calgary, including a 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that required army escort for a portion of it, the Ukrainian Wings will join Wickfest, Hayley Wickenheiser’s annual girls’ hockey festival, on Thursday. The squad of players aged 11 to 13 was drawn from eight different cities in Ukraine, where sport facilities have been damaged or destroyed since Russia started its invasion in February 2022. “They all have a personal story of something awful happening,” said Wickenheiser. “We give them a week of peace and joy here, and I hope they can carry that with them. “We know full well they’re going back to difficult circumstances. It’s tough that way.” Nine players are from Kharkiv, where pictures show a large hole in the roof of the Saltovskiy Led arena where the girls’ team WHC Panthers once skated. “It was our home ice arena, and we played all our national team championships in this ice arena,” said Kateryna Seredenko, who oversees the Panthers program and is the Wings general manager. Ukraine’s Olympic Committee posted photos and wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 1 that Kharkiv’s Sport Palace, which was home to multiple hockey teams, was also destroyed in an attack on the city. Seredenko says the Wings’ arduous journey to Calgary was worth it because it gives the girls hope. “It’s not a good situation in Ukraine, but when they come here, they can believe that everything will be good, everything will be fine, of course we will win soon and we must play hockey. We can’t stop because we love these girls and we will do everything for them,” she said. “So many girls on this Ukrainian team are future players of the national team.” Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer , is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a doctor who works emergency room shifts in the Toronto area. The six-time Olympian and four-time gold medalist organized her first Wickfest after the 2010 Winter Games. She’s had teams from India, Mexico and the Czech Republic attend over the last decade and a half, but never a team that ran the Ukrainians’ gauntlet of logistics. The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health took on the task of arranging visas and paying for the team’s travel. “We care about women and children’s health. Sport is such a symbol. When you see a group of girls coming off the ice all sweaty and having worked hard on the ice, it’s a symbol of a healthy girl,” said chief executive officer Julia Anderson. “That’s a healthy kid that’s able to participate in sport. We really believe if we can get girls there, whether they’re in an active war zone, or here in Canada, those girls will change the world.” The Wings aren’t the first Ukrainians to seek a hockey haven in Canada since the war began. An under-25 men’s team played four games against university squads in early 2023 to prepare for that year’s world university games. Ukrainian teams have also twice played in the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. “It’s the first time in Ukrainian history where a girls’ team is coming to Canada to a very good tournament,” Seredenko said. “They can see how they can play in their future. And they can see how it is to play hockey in Canada.” AP sports: https://apnews.com/sportsMore than 100 arrested for dial-a-dealer scheme
In conclusion, the main opposition party's skepticism about the new government's readiness to begin work immediately after its formation is grounded in legitimate concerns about governance, leadership, and strategic planning. While the new administration may be eager to show progress and deliver results, it must heed the warnings of the opposition and take the time to lay a solid foundation for effective governance. By prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and careful planning, the new government can build credibility and trust with the public, paving the way for sustainable progress and meaningful change.As Douyin e-commerce continues to evolve, finding the right balance between promoting products and building relationships will be crucial for success. By embracing authenticity, transparency, and meaningful engagement, brands can thrive in the dynamic landscape of Douyin e-commerce without relying on hype and aggressive tactics. Moving forward, the mantra of "Finding the Balance Point" will guide brands towards a more sustainable and fulfilling e-commerce journey on Douyin.
Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, other games, times, odds
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian Senate on Thursday began considering a ban on children younger than 16 years old from social media after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported the age restriction. The world-first bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts is likely to be passed by the Senate on Thursday, the Parliament’s final session for the year and potentially the last before elections, which are due within months. The major parties’ support for the ban all but guarantees the legislation will become law. But many child welfare and mental health advocates are concerned about unintended consequences. Unaligned Sen. Jacqui Lambie complained about the limited amount of time the government gave the Senate to debate the age restriction, which she described as “undercooked.” “I thought this was a good idea. A lot of people out there thought it was a good idea until we looked at the detail and, let's be honest, there's no detail,” Lambie told the Senate. The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly carried the bill 102 votes to 13. Once the legislation becomes law, the platforms would have one year to work out how they could implement the ban before penalties are enforced. The platforms complained that the law would be unworkable, and urged the Senate to delay the vote until at least June next year when a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies made its report on how young children could be excluded. Critics argue the government is attempting to convince parents it is protecting their children ahead of general elections due by May. The government hopes that voters will reward it for responding to parents' concerns about their children's addiction to social media. Some argue the legislation could cause more harm than it prevents. Criticisms include that the legislation was rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, is ineffective, poses privacy risks for all users, and undermines parental authority to make decisions for their children. Opponents of the bill also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of the positive aspects of social media, drive them to the dark web, discourage children too young for social media to report harm and reduce incentives for platforms to improve online safety.
Moreover, the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and forgiveness that permeate Qiong Yao’s dramas offer valuable lessons for young viewers navigating their own relationships and personal growth. Through the trials and tribulations faced by her characters, Qiong Yao explores the complexities of human emotions and the importance of empathy, communication, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and building meaningful connections with others.Here are all the things OpenAI has released so far for its 12 days of 'Shipmas' campaign
Getafe, the plucky underdogs fighting against the threat of relegation, faced a must-win encounter in their quest to avoid the drop. With their backs against the wall, they delivered a spirited performance to claim a crucial victory that bolstered their hopes of survival. The team's resilience and determination shone through as they battled against formidable opponents, showcasing the fighting spirit that defines their footballing ethos.Without hesitation, the Rolls-Royce owner announced that he would be donating the entire tip to a local charity that supports underprivileged children in the community. His decision to turn a negative situation into a positive one by helping those in need not only garnered admiration from bystanders but also inspired others to consider the impact of their actions on the world around them.
MicroStrategy , the preferred high beta play on the price of bitcoin, will join the Nasdaq 100 index, a move that could further increase demand for the controversial stock that has been on a torrid run this year alongside the price of the cryptocurrency. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are The Nasdaq 100 comprises 100 of the largest nonfinancial companies in the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite index . A stock's addition means that ETFs – including the highly popular Invesco QQQ Trust , which has $325 billion in assets – will become automatic buyers as well. Shares of the bitcoin proxy could be set to gain off the move. They're up more than sixfold this year, compared with bitcoin's nearly 140% gain in the same period. The change, which will become effective before the market open on Dec. 23, was announced Friday after the stock market close. MicroStrategy was widely telegraphed as a potential contender for membership by investors who were looking forward to the index's rebalancing this week. "This would lead to inclusion of MSTR in some of the largest ETFs such as QQQ (5th largest ETF) etc, leading to one-time fresh buying ... and ongoing participation in future inflows," said Gautam Chhugani, an analyst at Bernstein, in a note this week ahead of the reshuffle. Additionally, "the market will likely set its sight on S&P 500 inclusion for 2025," Chhugani said. "Currently, due to profitability of its software business, it may be challenging to be considered for S&P 500 inclusion." The Nasdaq changes the constitution of the Nasdaq 100 index annually. The companies selected for inclusion are based largely on market cap rankings on the last trading day of November, which was Nov. 29 this year. Stocks must also meet eligibility requirements around liquidity and the free float percentage of their shares. MicroStrategy originally sold enterprise software, but the firm has increasingly become a bitcoin holding company. It first added bitcoin to its balance sheet in 2020, with Michael Saylor as CEO at the time, and has been leaning into that strategy in the years since. MicroStrategy now issues convertible notes to leverage its purchases, and its stock's daily trading sometimes looks like a more volatile version of bitcoin. The company now has a market cap of roughly $90 billion despite having less than $500 million in revenue over its previous four quarters, according to FactSet. Saylor told CNBC's " Squawk Box " earlier this month that he sees the company's role as " securitizing bitcoin ." "Primarily, our job is to bridge the traditional capital markets that want bonds, or they want fixed income, or they want equity, or they want options, and we plug that into the crypto economy. And we use bitcoin as the vehicle to do that," said Saylor, who is now the company's executive chairman. MicroStrategy began cranking up its purchases after the U.S. presidential election. The victory of pro-crypto President-elect Donald Trump — specifically his promise to establish a national strategic bitcoin stockpile — has propelled bitcoin to new all-time highs, achieved in part by the company's purchases. MicroStrategy now owns 423,650 bitcoins. It bought 149,880 of them in four different purchases over the past month, beginning Nov. 11. As part of MicroStrategy's hot streak this year, activists have been pushing bitcoin investing as an agenda item in shareholder meetings at companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Mining stocks like Mara Holdings have also begun employing Saylor's bitcoin yield strategy . Palantir Technologies and Axon Enterprise will also be joining the Nasdaq 100 later this month. Illumina , Moderna and Super Micro Computer will be removed from the index. Last year, the Nasdaq 100 added six companies in its annual reconstitution, including DoorDash. Five of those six stocks rose the Monday after the announcement, with an average move of 1.21%. —With reporting by Jesse Pound.
What sets this game apart is the addition of Sonic's trusty friends, known as the Sonic Team. Tails, Knuckles, and other familiar faces will join Sonic on his journey, each bringing their unique abilities and skills to the table. Together, they will work as a team to thwart the sinister plans of Dr. Robotnik and save the day once again.I’m A Celeb fans go wild as Coleen Rooney ‘brings Wagatha Christie out of retirement’ to investigate huge camp secretAtalanta will face a stern test as they come up against Inter Milan in what promises to be an exciting encounter. Atalanta, known for their attacking flair and high-scoring games, will look to outgun the Nerazzurri in a battle of offensive firepower. With the likes of Duvan Zapata and Josip Ilicic leading the attack, Atalanta will be a potent threat going forward.
As the digital economy continues to evolve, this collaboration sets a new standard for financial management in e-commerce and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age. With QuickBooks now at their disposal, sellers on Amazon can look forward to a more streamlined and efficient approach to managing their finances and achieving their business goals.NUNO Matos will become the new chief executive officer at ANZ Group Holdings, succeeding Shayne Elliott who is retiring after nine years in the role that culminated in a tumultuous ending. Matos, a former HSBC Holdings banker, will take over the top job on Jul 3, 2025. He will also be appointed to the boards of ANZ as an executive director. The 57-year-old was most recently HSBC’s CEO of wealth and personal banking and missed out on the top job at the British lender earlier this year. “We are very pleased an international banker of Nuno’s calibre and extensive experience will be joining ANZ as our new chief executive to lead the execution of our strategy,” ANZ Group chairman Paul O’Sullivan said on Monday (Dec 9). Scandals at ANZ involving trading misbehaviour and allegations of bond market manipulation led to senior executives taking compensation cuts earlier this year, including Elliott. The 61-year-old chief had to defend his firm in front of parliament during the final chapter of his time leading ANZ that will be remembered for the focus on misbehaving traders. Two other top Australian lenders also recently appointed CEOs, with Andrew Irvine taking the helm at National Australia Bank and Anthony Miller at Westpac Banking. Matos will receive a salary of A$2.5 million (S$2.1 million), the same as Elliott, according to a statement. On top of that will be a short-term bonus target of up to 80 per cent of that and a long-term award of up to 135 per cent. O’Sullivan said the board had assessed multiple external and internal candidates and the appointment was the culmination of long-term systematic work. Matos worked at HSBC from 2015 to 2024 and before that held a variety of roles at Banco Santander. ANZ shares are up about 19 per cent this year, less than the 33 per cent advance on the S&P/ASX 200 Financials sector gauge. Australian banks have become simpler institutions in recent years and that brings a challenge for Matos as the business has become more commoditised, said Hugh Dive, chief investment officer at Atlas Funds Management in Sydney. “You have got four to five players selling a relatively undifferentiated product,” he said. “The adjacent stuff from insurance to funds management to financial planning has all been pulled in. They are just very back to basics with business lending and home lending and there’s fewer ways to make money,” he said, adding that he has an overweight position on ANZ stock. Matos will also have to integrate Suncorp Group’s banking arm after the Australian lender bought the unit in a flagship deal under Elliott. News of an orderly CEO transition addresses one source of uncertainty for ANZ, according to Morgan Stanley analysts, led by Richard Wiles. Matos should focus on non-financial risk issues and manage any potential changes in the executive team, he wrote in a report. “We believe the appointment of a retail banker with global experience highlights ANZ’s need to strengthen its retail franchise and competitive position,” he wrote. “ANZ faces a full agenda in 2025 and a pivotal period over the next few years.” BLOOMBERG
Cecilia Cheung's response to the latest round of rumors reflects her commitment to transparency and honesty. By addressing the speculation head-on, she aims to put an end to the swirling gossip and provide clarity to fans and followers who have been concerned about their marriage.
OpenAI has kicked off a marketing campaign called "Shipmas." The campaign is set to include 12 days of product releases, demos, and new features. On the first day, OpenAI released an updated version of o1 and ChatGPT Pro. is releasing new features and products ahead of the holidays. Fans hope the 12-day campaign, which OpenAI is calling "Shipmas," will include an update of its text-to-video AI tool, , as well as other updates to its ChatGPT and o1 models. OpenAI hinted at its plans Wednesday in a post on X, saying: "12 days. 12 livestreams. A bunch of new things, big and small. 12 Days of OpenAI starts tomorrow." CEO Sam Altman also alluded to the campaign Wednesday at The New York Times' DealBook Summit. "We have a bunch of new, great stuff. We're doing this kind of fun thing for the holidays. We're doing 12 days of OpenAI," he said. "We'll either launch something or do a demo every day for the next 12 weekdays." Here's everything OpenAI has released so far for "Shipmas." OpenAI started the promotion with a bang by releasing of its latest reasoning model, o1. OpenAI in September, describing it as a series of artificial-intelligence models "designed to spend more time thinking before they respond." Until now, only a limited version of these models was available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users. Now these users have access to the full capabilities of o1 models, which Altman said are faster, smarter, and easier to use than the preview. They're also multimodal, which means they can process images and texts jointly. Max Schwarzer, a researcher at OpenAI, said the full version of o1 was updated based on user feedback from the preview version and said it's now more intelligent and accurate. "We ran a pretty detailed suite of human evaluations for this model, and what we found was that it made major mistakes about 34% less often than o1 preview while thinking fully about 50% faster," he said. Along with o1, OpenAI unveiled a new tier of called ChatGPT Pro. It's priced at $200 a month and includes unlimited access to the latest version of o1. On Friday, OpenAI previewed an advancement that allows users to fine-tune o1 on their own datasets. Users can now leverage OpenAI's reinforcement-learning algorithms — which mimic the human trial-and-error learning process — to customize their own models. The technology will be available to the public next year, allowing anyone from machine-learning engineers to genetic researchers to create domain-specific AI models. OpenAI has already partnered with the Reuters news agency to develop a legal assistant based on o1-mini. It has also partnered with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to develop computational methods for assessing rare genetic diseases. Read the original article onReports: Saints concerned over QB Derek Carr's hand injury
On the other hand, PSG, boasting a star-studded lineup including the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, will be aiming to continue their impressive run in the Champions League. With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, PSG will be looking to showcase their attacking prowess and exploit any weaknesses in Real Madrid's defense. This matchup between two European heavyweights promises to be a blockbuster affair with both teams gunning for victory.QUENTIN LETTS at PMQs: Sir Keir became peevish with Kemi, his right eyebrow shooting skywards like a leaping salmon
B.C. Premier Eby says U.S. tariffs would be ‘devastating’ for forest industry