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Alabama and Mississippi tumbled out of the top 10 of The Associated Press Top 25 poll Sunday and Miami and SMU moved in following a chaotic weekend in the SEC and across college football in general. Oregon is No. 1 for the sixth straight week and Ohio State, Texas and Penn State held their places behind the Ducks, who are the last unbeaten team. The shuffling begins at No. 5, where Notre Dame returned for the first time since Week 2 after beating Army for its ninth straight win. No. 6 Georgia moved up two spots, No. 7 Tennessee and No. 8 Miami each got a three-rung promotion and No. 9 SMU jumped four places for its first top-10 ranking since 1985. SMU has clinched a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and would play Miami, if the Hurricanes win at Syracuse this week, or No. 12 Clemson . Indiana dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 following its first loss, a 38-15 defeat at Ohio State. The Buckeyes would play Oregon in the Big Ten championship game if they beat Michigan this Saturday for the first time in four years. The Southeastern Conference’s hopes for landing four spots in the College Football Playoff took a hit with two of their teams losing as double-digit favorites. Texas, Georgia and Tennessee are the only SEC teams with fewer than three losses after Alabama lost 24-3 at Oklahoma and Mississippi lost 24-17 at Florida. Oregon, which was idle, was the consensus No. 1 team for the fourth straight week. The Ducks will be unbeaten in the regular season for the first time since 2010 if they beat Washington at home Saturday.
UConn, football coach Jim Mora agree to contract extension through 2028They say that there are two seasons in Canada: winter, and construction. With the snow finally here, and here to stay, London is wrapping up many construction projects, however some will continue despite the plunge into frigid temperatures. Ongoing construction of the Wellington Gateway will continue into the winter months – with upgrades coming to Colonel Talbot Road, Clark’s Bridge, and more. On the docket for completion in 2024 is the Oxford and Gideon Roundabout, the York Street Infrastructure Renewal, Stoney Creek Thames Valley Parkway Connection, and Mud Creek Phase 2B. If it feels like the Forest City has been a forest of cones, you’re not entirely wrong – many projects were completed in 2024, including the Adelaide Underpass, Victoria Bridge Replacement, the Downtown Loop Phase 3, the East London Link Phase 2, Wellington Gateway Phase 1, Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street Intersection Improvements, Mud Creek Phase 2A – Culvert installation on Oxford Street, and the neighbourhood road program. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 20 Great Last-Minute Gifts From Amazon Canada That Won't Break The Bank 22 Tiny (And Wonderful) Gifts To Stuff Your Stockings With This Year 28 Crowd-Pleasing Gifts For The Pickiest People On Your List Home 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) 13 Of The Best Fidget Toys For Adults 16 Cozy Home Essentials That Cost Less Than $100 Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals The Silk & Snow End Of Year Sale Is Officially On — Here's What To Add To Your Cart The Best Early Boxing Day Deals On Amazon Canada For 2024 This Smart Security Camera System Will Help You Keep An Eye On Your Home (And It's On Sale For 50% Off Right Now) London Top Stories The Forest City has been a forest of cones, and with these projects on tap for 2025, get ready for round two New Canadians displaced after fire destroys east London townhome Feeling Festive? Check out this display of over 300 lit Christmas trees Sarnia Police Auxiliary Unit works to return stolen shopping carts to businesses London Ont. Liberal MPs say that Trudeau is taking time to reflect on his future Cold Weather Alert issued as temperatures could reach -18 ̊C or lower New rules clarify when travellers are compensated for flight disruptions Lights out in Listowel, OPP investigate motor vehicle collision with hydro box CTVNews.ca Top Stories Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General. Two U.S. Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, U.S. military says Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea in an apparent 'friendly fire' incident, the U.S military said, marking the most serious incident to threaten troops in over a year of America targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels. Ottawa MP Mona Fortier appointed chief government whip Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier has been appointed as chief government whip, the latest addition in a major reshuffle of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet. opinion | Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage. B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi. Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains - and bots Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk's X, which they view as increasingly leaning too far to the right given its owner's support of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, or wanting an alternative to Meta's Threads and its algorithms. Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes. Arizona third-grader saves choking friend An Arizona third-grader is being recognized by his local fire department after saving a friend from choking. opinion | King Charles' Christmas: Who's in and who's out this year? Christmas 2024 is set to be a Christmas like no other for the Royal Family, says royal commentator Afua Hagan. King Charles III has initiated the most important and significant transformation of royal Christmas celebrations in decades. Kitchener 'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy. Impaired driver causes significant delays on Waterloo highway A 24-year-old man is facing charges after driving while drunk across two Waterloo Regional highways on Friday. Fire destroys home in Haldimand County A home in Haldimand County has been destroyed after a Saturday afternoon fire. Barrie One driver faces several charges following Highway 400 crash in Oro-Medonte Traffic came to a standstill Friday afternoon following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 400 in Oro-Medonte. High school teacher charged with sexual assault amid allegations involving a student A 51-year-old teacher from Georgina has been charged with sexual assault following allegations involving a student. Hospice Simcoe mourns loss of COPE service pup, after 7.5 years of service The Hospice Simcoe community is mourning the loss of their Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (COPE) service dog, Daisy. Windsor Former workers of 'one-of-a-kind' entertainment hub reunite Former employees of the Elmwood Casino gathered outside their old stomping grounds Saturday, exactly 50 years after the prominent Windsor joint shut its doors. 'Heartwarming': Windsor-Essex families receive help filling underneath the tree Space under the Christmas tree became far more limited for several Windsor-Essex families who received a visit from volunteers at Project Christmas. 'It's got to stop, it's that simple': Windsor cab drivers warn of unregulated operators Drivers now compete with individuals using social media to advertise rides at cut-rate prices. One person offers $10 rides within the city, while another promotes daily trips from Windsor to Toronto for $45 per person. Northern Ontario Robinson Superior First Nations provided settlement offer from Canada over annuities owed Details haven’t been made public yet about the settlement offer presented on Friday by Canada to the 12 First Nations in the Robinson Superior Treaty Territory. Northern Ont. man illegally killed three moose, one deer A man from the northwestern Ontario community of Dinorwic has been found guilty of multiple hunting offences and fined $6,500, banned from hunting for five years and placed on probation for 18 months. opinion | Tom Mulcair: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's train wreck of a final act In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader and political analyst Tom Mulcair puts a spotlight on the 'spectacular failure' of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's final act on the political stage. Sault Ste. Marie Sault police seek public assistance in LCBO theft investigation Sault police are investigating a series of thefts at the LCBO on Second Line West earlier this month. Northern Credit Union makes donation to Lady Dunn Health Centre to show gratitude for exceptional care shown to staff Northern Credit Union has announced a $10,000 donation made in honour of the many individuals and organizations who stepped forward to support its team during and following last week’s tragic event. Northern Ont. hospital to close emergency department Sunday A physician shortage is again forcing the closure of the emergency department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network. Ottawa OPP find wanted man by chance in eastern Ontario home, seize $50K worth of drugs A wanted eastern Ontario man was found with $50,000 worth of drugs and cash on him in a home in Bancroft, Ont. on Friday morning, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year. What's happening in Ottawa over the Christmas holidays CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa over the holiday season. Toronto Cold in Toronto feels like -23 with the wind chill Sunday morning The cold weather hanging over Toronto isn’t letting up, and it currently feels like -23 with the wind chill. Toronto police investigating 2 separate east-end shootings, no injuries reported Toronto police are investigating two separate east-end shootings that occurred within 12 hours of each other. Three-vehicle crash leaves 4 people injured in Brampton Four people were injured in a three-car crash in Brampton early Sunday morning. Montreal Canadiens riding three-game win streak ahead of long stretch away from home The Montreal Canadiens are on a season-best win streak ahead of their longest stretch away from home. Patrik Laine scored on the power play, again, and the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings on consecutive nights with a 5-1 victory Saturday. Major factory fire in the Maskinonge, Que. A major fire devastated an industrial building in the municipality Maskinongé, Que on Saturday. West Island clinic set to close at the end of December Statcare Emergency Clinic in Pointe-Claire will shut its doors on Dec. 31. Atlantic Cape Breton police arrest second person in missing man investigation A second person has been arrested in the disappearance of Justin MacDonald in Cape Breton. Calling all bloodhounds: These P.E.I. blood donors have four legs and a tail Dogs are donating blood and saving the lives of canines at the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown. Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes. Winnipeg Residential parking ban lifted in Winnipeg The City of Winnipeg has lifted its parking ban on residential streets, which means its winter route ban is back in effect. Muslim youth group distributes meals to Winnipeg's most vulnerable In the spirit of giving season, a Muslim youth group made its way through the city’s downtown distributing meals to those in need. Bail denied for Winnipeg woman accused of killing animals in online videos Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. A Winnipeg woman accused of making videos of animals being tortured and killed that were sold on the dark web was denied bail. Calgary 'This shouldn't happen': Calgary family seeks changes after WestJet accessibility incident A Calgary woman wants WestJet to apologize to her daughter and to improve staff training on accessibility after an incident during their latest trip. Promise of high-level hockey comes at a cost for prep school players at Circle K Classic Calgary is set to host the Circle K Classic, welcoming some high-end talent and pricey prep schools for the annual U18 AAA hockey tournament. Flames get goals from 6 players in a 6-4 victory over the Blackhawks Jonathan Huberdeau, Connor Zary, Blake Coleman, and Matt Coronato each had a goal and an assist as the Calgary Flames beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 on Saturday. Edmonton 'There’s no support': Domestic abuse survivor shares difficulties leaving her relationship An Edmonton woman who tried to flee an abusive relationship ended up back where she started in part due to a lack of shelter space. Icy conditions: Alberta RCMP warn of poor driving conditions on QEII between Leduc and Red Deer Alberta RCMP issued a warning to drivers Saturday morning about slick conditions on the QEII between Leduc and Red Deer. Heavy police presence in south Fort McMurray: RCMP RCMP warned Fort McMurray residents Saturday night about an unfolding police incident in Beacon Hill. Regina Gathering held in Regina to recognize Winter Solstice Regina's mâmawêyatitân centre held a day of gathering for the Winter Solstice on Saturday. Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons location to open in Regina this weekend Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. The restaurant, located in the city’s east end, features design and operating features that minimize environmental impact. Gravelbourg's transportation program celebrates addition of new vehicle and garage The town of Gravelbourg is celebrating the addition of a new vehicle and garage which will be used in their local transportation program. Saskatoon Sask. police investigating mischief incident after bomb report in school Prince Albert police are investigating a mischief incident after a bomb report in a school Friday afternoon. Prince Albert woman collects donations to make Christmas hampers for community A Prince Albert woman is spreading holiday cheer by organizing Christmas hampers for those in need. Sask. lawyers defend judge for staying fatal THC-impaired driving charge The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association is defending a provincial court judge, who’s facing backlash for staying a charge in a high-profile case involving the death of a child. Vancouver Man wounded in Mission, B.C., shooting One man was injured in a shooting in the Lower Mainland city of Mission Saturday morning, Mounties confirmed. Winds exceeding 120 km/h reported in parts of B.C. coast Residents of parts of the British Columbia coast are again bracing for high winds, with gusts forecasted to reach 110 km/h in some areas. 2 dead after car crash in Burnaby Two people were killed in a car crash in Burnaby early Saturday morning, police confirmed. Vancouver Island B.C. mayor gets calls from across Canada about 'crazy' plan to recruit doctors A British Columbia community's "out-of-the-box" plan to ease its family doctor shortage by hiring physicians as city employees is sparking interest from across Canada, says Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi. B.C. woman with photographic memory strives to make unforgettable Christmas displays Although Alisha Pauling is looking through old pictures, she doesn’t need them to remember her Christmases past. She has a photographic memory. Internet stranger's kind gesture restores Canucks fan's faith in humanity A Nanaimo, B.C., couple is in awe at the kindness of an internet stranger who helped them track down a coveted Christmas gift. Stay Connected
Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital
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Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital( MENAFN - Mid-East Info) Samsung Gulf Electronics and Dubai media Incorporated (DMI) continue to elevate their commitment to fostering regional musical talent. Select X Factor Dubai contestants recently enjoyed an exclusive evening at the Samsung SmartThings Home, experiencing first-hand the fusion of technology and creativity. MENAFN26122024005446012082ID1109033464 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Some 140 years after its first trailblazing luxury train chugged out of Paris’s Gare de l’Est bound for Constantinople, the Orient Express is having something of a rebirth. Arguably the most interesting in a flurry of announcements from the brand is the launch of Orient Express Silenseas, a new collection of yachts that are a collaboration between three French giants: global hospitality group Accor, luxury goods titan LVMH and shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Orient Express Corinthian is the world’s largest sailing yacht. The finished product looks like the lovechild of the fanciest superyacht and the most elegant sailing boat. The first yacht to be completed, Orient Express Corinthian, which at 220m long, with three 100m-high sails, is the world’s largest sailing yacht, won’t be taking paying guests until 2026, but the first images of its interiors have been released. Luxury hotel groups such as Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Aman have all announced launches of luxury yachts this year . But while they may be fabulous, they are smallish cruise ships, not yachts. Evrima, for example, the first in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, offers 224 suites. Then there’s Four Seasons, whose first “yacht”, when it launches in 2026, will have 14 decks and 95 suites. With just 50 cabins, Aman at Sea, which launches in 2027, is the closest of the offerings to a superyacht and also in scale to the 54-suite Orient Express Corinthian. But what Orient Express Corinthian has that none of the others do is sails. The interiors team took inspiration from classic French liners such as SS Normandie. There’s something much cooler and more adventurous-seeming about a great big yacht with sails than an all-bling one with just an engine. This is something that hasn’t escaped Jeff Bezos, who spent $500 million on his three-masted boat Koru , which at 127 metres was the world’s largest sailing yacht – until now. Inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera, Orient Express Corinthian has been designed by French architect and designer Maxime d’Angeac, who has also worked on a new Orient Express train that will launch in France around the same time. The two will combine on certain itineraries. Sustainability was central to the design process, seen through the minimal use of leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panelling. “The pillars of Orient Express are art deco, geometric patterns and strong colours, which both train and boat have,” says d’Angeac. “Train interiors can be much darker as this makes them feel cosy and luxurious. The boat [has] much more space and height, so its design feels more Riviera, like a villa on the Côte d’Azur. I’ve also replaced the really small windows you usually get in yacht cabins with huge, durable windows.” Orient Express Corinthian will have five restaurants, eight bars including a speakeasy, two swimming pools including a lap pool, an amphitheatre cabaret space and a private recording studio. In-room spa treatments and meditation sessions will also be available. The boats will spend summers in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic and winters in the Caribbean, with dining, shopping and cultural experiences offered at multiple stop-offs along the way. Sustainability has been at the forefront of the design process, as has working out how to be beautiful but also functional. For example, there is hardly any leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panelling, which as well as being elegant and warm is durable and lightweight. The team examined classic French liners such as SS Normandie for inspiration. There are lovely details at every turn: a long, daybed window seat that lifts up to reveal a wooden games box stocked with chess, dominoes and playing cards; luxurious velvet headboards and bathrooms lined in the most decadent-looking Violetta Calacatta marble with crimson walls behind. All of this will be accompanied by Orient Express service, with butlers on hand around the clock. The luxurious bathrooms feature Violetta Calacatta marble. Sustainability was central to the design process, seen through the minimal use of leather, no plastic and lots of walnut wood panellingThe luxurious bathrooms feature Violetta Calacatta marble “The in-room bar,” replies d’Angeac, when I ask him to name a small detail he particularly likes. “When I arrive at a hotel, I’m always excited to see what has been chosen. We are still deciding but I can tell you it will be the best artisan cocktails and chocolate, as opposed to big names. We will simply use small French companies offering the best things.” Silenseas is also debuting groundbreaking wind-harnessing technology that has been 20 years in the making: SolidSail, a rigid, foldable carbon sail and mast system that will provide more than 50 per cent of the yachts’ propulsion. “Wind technology is the future of cruising, everyone knows that,” says d’Angeac. “We can’t just go on producing bigger and bigger boats with enormous polluting engines. Using less gasoline is really important to us, so we will adapt our routes to ensure we follow the wind, which will all be part of the experience.” This hybrid system will combine wind power with an engine running on liquified natural gas (LNG – typically at least 85 per cent methane). While LNG is by no means the perfect option, it is much cleaner than other fossil fuels such as coal, gas or oil, so makes for a better alternative while the infrastructure needed to handle fully renewable energy is still being developed. It was said that Orient Express founder Georges Nagelmackers was first inspired to design a luxury train on a transatlantic crossing to America in 1867, revelling in its luxurious suites, social scene and general grandeur. “I think he would have gone into luxury cruising eventually, had he not died so young,” says d’Agneac. Either way, this feels like a full-circle moment. The Telegraph, LondonRemitly: Interesting Small-Cap With Large TAM But Lots Of Competition
Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) recently promoted Jim Peterson to Loss Prevention Manager. Peterson started at the credit union serving members in the Brainerd office in 2021, and quickly moved into leading the team of tellers at one of our busiest locations. Prior to moving to the Brainerd Lakes Area, Jim’s three-decade career in financial services includes both loans and collections. “I am excited about the previous experience Jim has as well as his ability to build strong relationships with staff and members,” said Jonathan LeMieur, Vice President of Consumer Lending. “Working with our members that find themselves in unexpected circumstances can be difficult at times, but also provides an opportunity to see them through a tough time.” “I am very excited to take on a new role and a new challenge,” said Peterson. “I am going to miss many of the members I have had the pleasure to work with at our Brainerd office.” Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union is a member owned financial cooperative serving central Minnesota. What sets MMFCU apart from other financial institutions is that our members are owners and have a vested interest in our success. Any profits are returned to our membership in the form of higher dividend rates, lower interest rates on loans, additional technology, and growth in services. MMFCU has 13 locations and participates in CO-OP Shared Branching offering an additional 5,900 locations nationwide. Deposits are federally insured by NCUA and we are an Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at mmfcu.org.
EU universal charger rules come into forceIsrael detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals, Palestinians say DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals. The announcement on Saturday came after health officials said Israeli troops stormed the hospital on Friday and forced many staff and patients outside and told them to strip in winter weather. Israel’s army didn’t respond to questions about the hospital director. It denied it had entered or set fire to the complex but acknowledged it had ordered people outside. It said it was conducting operations against Hamas in the area. The military repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan Hospital, which officials there have denied. Israeli airstrikes hit a Yemen airport as a jet with hundreds onboard was landing, UN official says UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The top U.N. humanitarian official in Yemen says Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s main airport as a civilian Airbus 320 with hundreds of passengers on board was landing this week. He says a U.N. delegation led by the head of the World Health Organization was waiting to leave on Thursday as two Israeli airstrikes hit the airport in the capital of Sanaa. Julien Harneis told U.N. reporters on Friday that the most frightening thing about the airstrikes wasn’t the effect on him and about 15 others in the VIP lounge at the international airport. Rather, it was the destruction of the airport control tower as a Yemenia Airways plane was taxiing in after touching down. Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Trump's request Friday came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The brief said Trump opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Bloodied Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to Russia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Five months after their shock offensive into Russia, Ukrainian troops are bloodied by daily combat losses and demoralized by the rising risk of defeat in Kursk. Some want to stay in the region at all costs. Others question the value of having gone in at all. Battles are so intense that commanders are unable to evacuate their dead. Lags in communication and poorly timed operations have cost lives and commanders say they have little way to counterattack. The overstretched Ukrainians have lost more then 40% of the territory they won in the lightning incursion that seized much of Kursk in August. US to send $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine, pushing to get aid out before Biden leaves office WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say the United States is expected to announce it will send another $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. It's part of a push by the Biden administration to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on Jan. 20. Officials say the large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds. The officials say they expect the announcement will be made on Monday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. Canadian Cabinet ministers meet with Trump's nominee for commerce secretary in bid to avoid tariffs TORONTO (AP) — Two top Canadian Cabinet ministers have met with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary at Mar-a-Lago as Canada tries to avoid sweeping tariffs when Trump takes office. New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. The meeting was a follow up to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping tariffs if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, has been cremated after a state funeral. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Later, his body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years until 2014. Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. The estimated jackpot was the fifth-highest ever for Mega Millions. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks.
Pacific Biosciences of California (NASDAQ:PACB) Shares Gap Down – Here’s Why
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Over 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country's contentious new selection process , but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. The ruling party pushed through a constitutional reform in September to make all federal judges stand for election, replacing the system where court employees and lawyers mainly move up through the ranks. Current court employees and their supporters have staged dozens of demonstrations against the reforms, calling them part of a ruling-party campaign to weaken checks and balances and eliminate independent regulatory and oversight bodies. Now, candidates for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships need only a law degree, a grade point average of 3.2, “five years of professional experience” and five letters of recommendation from neighbors or friends. That, and some luck in the final drawing. Officials rejected criticism that has called the process rushed or amateurish for the often highly technical posts that can hear cases including intellectual property, organized crime and Constitutional law. “The results have been spectacular,” said Arturo Zaldivar, a top advisor to President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to the plan, evaluation committees will have just over a month to review thousands of resumes and whittle the field to about 10 candidates or less for each for the 881 judgeships and nine seats on the Supreme Court. Then 1,793 names chosen at random from those selected will appear on the ballot on June 1. Critics warn that many who land on the ballot will be unknowns who perhaps have never argued a case in the courts they seek to run. “You don’t elect a doctor or a surgeon for an operation based on their popularity, you elect them based on their technical expertise, their ability, their knowledge,” said Sergio Méndez Silva, the legal coordinator for the civic group Foundation for Justice. “That also applies for a judge.” With candidates now having to run election campaigns, critics warn there's a chance drug cartels or political parties could finance them to get friendly judges onto the bench. There are also concerns that the evaluation committees deciding who makes the cut for the selection to appear on ballots may not be impartial. Most committee members were appointed by the legislative or executive branches, controlled by the ruling Morena party. Some critics argue that the current justice system, which is riddled with nepotism, corruption and a lack of accountability, needs to be changed. “We need a justice system that gives results,” said Martínez Garza, an academic and former head of the human rights commission in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon who has registered to run for a Supreme Court seat. Trials in Mexico can last for years, and the ruling party has added to the growing list of crimes for which bail is not allowed, meaning that a large percentage of the prison population is people awaiting trial. Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-americaCastellum, Inc. Announces Proposed Public Offering Of Common StockThe holidays are known as the shopping season. But as soon as they are over, Americans switch into the return season. Shoppers returned $743 billion worth of merchandise in 2023, according to the State of Retail Returns 2024 report by Optoro. The average return rate across channels was 14.5% last year (17.6% for goods purchased online and 10% for items purchased at brick-and-mortar stores). There is no federal law requiring stores to accept returns. But some states have return and refund laws, and New York is one of them. New York state law does not require retailers to accept returns. However, if they do not, the law requires them to post a conspicuous notice visible to consumers before the point of sale advising that no returns will be accepted. If a retailer does not post a return policy, New York law requires them to accept returns of unused, undamaged merchandise within 30 days of the purchase. The returned item must include a proof of purchase and the refund must be in the form of cash or credit based on the customer’s preference. For retailers that allow returns, New York requires that the form of the refund – cash, credit or exchange – be clearly disclosed in advance of the purchase. New York law does not prohibit retailers from charging a fee for returns. However, they must disclose any such fees – often labeled as a “restocking fee” – before the sale. “If no fee is listed, customers should inquire whether the store imposes a re-stocking fee for returned merchandise and determine prior to purchase if the item can be returned for a refund or only store credit,” the state Division of Consumer Protection advises. The department also recommends consumers hold on to receipts and packaging in case an item needs to be returned. And if purchasing gifts, ask if a gift receipt is available, it suggests. Consumers who are having trouble obtaining a refund can file a complaint online via the Division of Consumer Protection website. Consumers can also download a printable complaint form from the website that can be mailed to the division. The division also provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unable to reach a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.