jili90 Donald Hand Jr. racked up a career-high 29 points and 10 rebounds to help Boston College stave off visiting Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70 on Saturday in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Chad Venning added 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting and Dion Brown contributed eight points, eight rebounds and four assists as the Eagles (8-5) wrapped up their nonconference slate with just their second win in six games. Ahmed Barba-Bey, a grad transfer from Division II, exploded for a season-high 31 points to power FDU (4-11). Barba-Bey buried 8 of 9 attempts from the 3-point arc. Terrence Brown added 15 of his 20 points in the second half, as the Knights made it close before falling to 0-10 on the road this season. Bismark Nsiah scored 10 points. Boston College led 70-59 with 3:39 to play when Barba-Bey was fouled attempting a corner 3. He made all three of his foul shots, and after a stop Brown got to the bucket to cut FDU's deficit to six. It was 72-67 when Venning made a clutch turnaround jumper from the high post with 51 seconds left. Boston College let Barba-Bey get loose for his eighth 3-pointer, pulling FDU within four, its closest margin of the half. But Hand drove to the basket and scored with 29 seconds on the clock, and FDU was out of time. The Knights trailed by as many as 12 in the first half, but Barba-Bey kept them in the game. He made a fastbreak layup off Brown's steal and added a 3-pointer on the next possession, turning what was a 10-point deficit to a manageable 29-24 game. Boston College led 38-28 at halftime, with Hand scoring 15 for the hosts and Barba-Bey pouring in 16 for the Knights, including 4-of-5 shooting from deep. FDU pulled within nine points three times in the early stages of the second half, the third coming when Nsiah knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to make it 56-47 with about 10 minutes to go. --Field Level MediaWe’re on the cusp of a new year, and with it comes a wave of exciting new tech designed to optimize every aspect of your life. From boosting productivity to enhancing your downtime and ensuring restful sleep, 2025 is packed with gadgets that can genuinely make a difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the must-have devices that will revolutionize how you live, work, play, and sleep in the coming year. Why Gadgets Matter in 2025 In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly seeking ways to improve our efficiency, well-being, and overall quality of life. Technology, in the form of innovative gadgets, plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Whether it’s streamlining your workflow, staying connected with loved ones, or simply enjoying your leisure time to the fullest, the right gadgets can be game-changers. The Categories: This guide is structured around four key areas of life: living, working, playing, and sleeping. We’ll delve into each category, highlighting the most impactful gadgets and providing insights into how they can enhance your daily routines. Living: Working: Playing: Sleeping: As we step into 2025, the line between technology and everyday life continues to blur. The gadgets highlighted in this guide offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities for enhancing our living, working, playing, and sleeping experiences. By embracing these innovations, we can unlock new levels of productivity, well-being, and enjoyment in the year ahead.

A high-speed passenger train collided with a fire engine at a crossing on Saturday in Florida, injuring three firefighters and at least a dozen train passengers, authorities said. The crash happened at 10.45am in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach fire rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel newspaper reported. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Mr Amaral said. Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the crash. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 – giving the railroad the worst death rate in the United States. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths.By AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.

Sunday Night Football’s Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Post Causes a StirNevada prosecutors have refiled criminal charges against the six Republican “fake electors” who tried to overturn Donald Trump ’s 2020 defeat in that state. The retooled charges were announced Thursday by Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat. His original case , filed last year, was thrown out by a Las Vegas judge who concluded it was filed in the wrong venue. The new charges were brought in Carson City, the state capital, where the fake electors cast their sham ballots in 2020. CNN reported earlier this week that the new charges were expected soon, to resolve the jurisdictional hiccup and to avoid the statute of limitations potentially lapsing. “While we disagree with the finding of improper venue and will continue to seek to overturn it, we are preserving our legal rights in order to ensure that these fake electors do not escape justice,” Ford said in a statement. The six defendants were each charged with one felony count of alleged forgery, according to the charging documents. CNN has reached out to the defendants, who have all previously denied wrongdoing. Ford has previously said that he is moving ahead with his case regardless of the fact that Trump won the election. Trump can’t order the Justice Department to drop these state-level prosecutions, and he can’t pardon the defendants for alleged state crimes. The six Nevada Republicans facing renewed charges include state GOP chair Michael McDonald and Clark County GOP chair Jesse Law, who were selected by the Trump campaign to be his real electors this year. Because Trump won Nevada this year, they’ll cast electoral votes for him on Tuesday as part of the official Electoral College process. Nevada was one of seven states across the country that Trump lost in 2020, where his campaign assembled slates of illegitimate electors . Trump and his allies then tried to use those fake GOP electors to overturn the results of the 2020 election on January 6, 2021, when Congress met to tally up the real electors from each state. “The actions the fake electors undertook in 2020 violated Nevada criminal law and were direct attempts to both sow doubt in our democracy and undermine the results of a free and fair election,” Ford said. “Justice requires that these actions not go unpunished.” Separately, Ford publicly confirmed for the first time on Thursday that he intends to run for Nevada governor in 2026, challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.

A Comprehensive Guide to Gold Investment Companies[Source: Reuters] A U.S. federal appeals court on Friday upheld a law requiring Chinese-based ByteDance to divest its popular short video app TikTok in the United States by early next year or face a ban. The decision is a win for the Justice Department and opponents of the Chinese-owned app and a devastating blow to ByteDance. It increases the possibility of an unprecedented ban in just six weeks on a social media app used by 170 million Americans. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court. The appeals court noted the law was the result of Republicans and Democrats working together, as well as two presidents, as “part of a broader effort to counter a well-substantiated national security threat posed by the PRC (People’s Republic of China).” But free speech advocates immediately criticized the decision. The American Civil Liberties Union said it sets a “flawed and dangerous precedent.” “Banning TikTok blatantly violates the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans who use this app to express themselves and communicate with people around the world,” said Patrick Toomey, deputy director of the ACLU’s National Security Project. TikTok said it expected the Supreme Court would reverse the appeals court decision on First Amendment grounds. “The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” TikTok said in a statement. In its analysis, the court said China, through its relationship with TikTok parent ByteDance, threatened to distort U.S. speech through TikTok and “manipulate public discourse.” China’s “ability to do so is at odds with free speech fundamentals. Indeed, the First Amendment precludes a domestic government from exercising comparable control over a social media company in the United States.” Attorney General Merrick Garland made a similar point in his statement on the decision, calling it “an important step in blocking the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to collect sensitive information about millions of Americans, to covertly manipulate the content delivered to American audiences, and to undermine our national security.” U.S. appeals court Judges Sri Srinivasan, Neomi Rao and Douglas Ginsburg considered the legal challenges brought by TikTok and users against the law, which gives ByteDance until Jan. 19 to sell or divest TikTok’s U.S. assets or face a ban. The decision — unless the Supreme Court reverses it — puts TikTok’s fate in the hands of first President JoeBiden on whether to grant a 90-day extension of the Jan. 19 deadline to force a sale and then President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20. But it’s not clear whether ByteDance could meet the heavy burden to show it had made significant progress toward a divestiture needed to trigger the extension. Trump, who unsuccessfully tried to ban TikTok during his first term in 2020, said before the November presidential election he would not allow the TikTok ban. Friday’s decision upholds the law giving the U.S. government sweeping powers to ban other foreign-owned apps that could raise concerns about collection of Americans’ data. In 2020, Trump also tried to ban Tencent-owned WeChat, but was blocked by the courts. If banned, TikTok advertisers would seek new social media venues to buy ads. As a result, shares of Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, which competes against TikTok in online ads, hit an intraday record high following the ruling, last up over 2%. Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, whose YouTube video platform also competes with TikTok, was up over 1%.

None

Global Video Hosting Software Market Size, Share and Forecast By Key Players-Wistia, Vimeo, BombBomb, Cincopa, VidyardLight & Wonder, Inc. Announcement: If You Have Suffered Losses in Light & Wonder, Inc. ...

DeSantis, Trump Mend Fences After Florida Cannabis Split While Pete Hegseth Scandal DeepensINSW stock touches 52-week low at $38.11 amid market shiftsPresident-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate hedge fund CEO Scott Bessent to be treasury secretary, a source familiar with the decision told CBS News. The founder of Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, 62-year-old Bessent had been making a full-court press for the post to Trump, according to a source deeply involved in transition planning. Trump has called Bessent a "nice-looking guy" and "one of the most brilliant men on Wall Street." Bessent joked on Fox News that he's in "violent agreement" with Trump on that. The Treasury's mission is to maintain a strong economy and promote economic conditions that both enable growth and stability for the U.S. The department is also charged with managing U.S. finances and combating threats to national security by protecting the financial system's integrity. Bessent, like Trump, advocates tariffs, viewing them as a way to raise revenue and protect American industries. He previously worked for conservative foil George Soros for nearly a decade in the 1990s, and at one point was the executive director of Soros' hedge fund. Bessent is also openly gay, and he and his husband, former New York City prosecutor John Freeman, have two children. If confirmed, Bessent would be the first Senate-confirmed gay Cabinet member of a Republican administration. Ric Grenell was acting director of national intelligence under Trump, but the Senate never confirmed him. A native of South Carolina, Bessent is a graduate of Yale University. Treasury secretary is a Senate-confirmed position. Janet Yellen is the current treasury secretary under President Biden. This is a developing story and will be updated. United States Department of the Treasury Donald Trump Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.

SMETHPORT — Looking for a family friendly event to get your brood in a holiday mood? Look no further than the Hamlin Memorial Library in Smethport, which will host its annual Christmas party from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday. The event has become a much loved tradition for the children of Smethport. “We have been doing it for a few years now and people seem to really like it,” said Samantha Burkhouse, library assistant. This year’s festivities will feature crafts, snacks, games and more. Children will be able to win prizes and get creative making their own holiday adornments. No registration is required for this free celebration. “People can just stop in; the more the merrier,” said Burkhouse. “Kids can wear their pajamas too, because it is happening on a Saturday morning.” The crafts will be led by Tabby Dart, vice president of the library’s board of directors. Under her direction, children will make ornaments and other holiday decorations. Families are welcome to bring children of all ages, but Burkhouse said the party might be the most entertaining for kids up to 10 years old. Contact the library at (814) 887-9262 with any questions.Ontario Provincial Police stopped a delivery driver who had apparently planned to drive without working brakes during a snowstorm on Wednesday. OPP officers stopped the driver on Highway 7 in Ottawa after observing the vehicle going well below the speed limit with its four-way flashers on. An investigation revealed the brakes were not working but the driver had planned to drive from Perth to Ottawa, police say. The driver was given a $110 fine for defective brakes and the vehicle was towed, according to Const. Michael Fathi. OPP initially said the driver was delivering for Amazon, but the company says that is not the case. "Our Canada Delivery Service Partner team confirmed that this vehicle is not an Amazon Delivery Service Partner vehicle," a statement said. "There is no indication this individual delivers packages for Amazon." OPP later amended their own post on social media to remove reference to Amazon. Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory on Wednesday, with up to 10 centimetres of snow in the forecast. OPP has been urging people to drive carefully. Correction A previous version of this article said the driver was an Amazon delivery person. Amazon has told CTV News Ottawa there is no indication the driver delivers packages for the company. 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 Brilliant Gift Ideas Under $75 15 Gifts That'll Pry Their Eyes Away From Screens For A Bit 19 Of The Best Stocking Stuffers For Teenagers Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 21 Stocking Stuffers Under $5 For Everyone On Your List (And They're All From Amazon Canada) 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday Ottawa Top Stories Protester disrupts City of Ottawa information session about Sprung structure WINTER WEATHER TRAVEL ADVISORY | 10 cm of snow in the forecast, OPP urging drivers to drive safely in Ottawa and eastern Ontario Ottawa's chief medical officer Dr. Vera Etches to become head of CHEO Ontario announces new funding to revitalize downtown Ottawa, transform ByWard Market street into 'pedestrian-only' in the summer Woman falls through ice trying to rescue dog in Stittsville Two suspects in Ottawa homicides on Canada's most wanted list: Bolo Program Woman critically injured in Mooney's Bay shooting, paramedics say Serious crash north of Kingston, Ont. sends at least 1 to hospital CTVNews.ca Top Stories Downtown Vancouver stabbing suspect dead after being shot by police A suspect is dead after being shot by police in a Vancouver convenience store after two people were injured in a stabbing Wednesday morning, according to authorities. DEVELOPING | As police search for suspect, disturbing video surfaces after U.S. health-care CEO gunned down in New York UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference. 'Utterly absurd': Freeland rebuffs Poilievre's offer of two hours to present fall economic statement Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has rebuffed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's offer to give up two hours of scheduled opposition time next Monday to present the awaited fall economic statement as 'utterly absurd.' Transport Minister to summon airline CEOs as Air Canada set to charge carry-on fees for some passengers Transport Minister Anita Anand says she will be calling Canadian airline CEOs to a meeting in mid-December after Air Canada says it will charge some passengers for carry-on bags in the new year. Canada Post stores continue to operate during strike — but why? As many postal workers continue to strike across the country, some Canadians have been puzzled by the fact some Canada Post offices and retail outlets remain open. Toddler fatally shot after his 7-year-old brother finds a gun in the family's truck A two-year-old boy was fatally shot when his seven-year-old brother found a gun in the glovebox of the family's truck in Southern California, authorities said. Mitch Marner to wear red and white Maple Leaf as Canada rounds out 4 Nations roster Mitch Marner was among the 15 players added to Canada's roster for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament Wednesday. Mattel sued over 'Wicked' dolls with porn website link Mattel was sued this week by a South Carolina mother for mistakenly putting a link to an adult film site on the packaging for its dolls tied to the movie 'Wicked.' Two children wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California school Two students were wounded in a shooting Wednesday at a small religious school in Northern California and the shooter died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot, sheriff's officials said. Atlantic Body found in burned vehicle in Pictou County identified as missing N.S. woman Nova Scotia RCMP has identified the bodies found in a burned vehicle in Pictou County last month as a missing Truro woman and a man from Alberta. A province-by-province look at what to expect from Thursday's storm An early December storm moving across northern New Brunswick Thursday will bring the Maritime provinces a mix of snow, rain, and high wind. Traffic tensions: Halifax Transit patrons and drivers frustrated by delays Halifax Transit patrons and drivers are expressing frustration about long waits and delays. Toronto WATCH: Suspects armed with hammers hit Markham jewelry store Six suspects are in custody in connection with a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in a Markham mall that was captured on video. 5 individuals wanted for GTA murders added to Canada’s most-wanted fugitives list Five individuals being sought by police in the GTA have been added to a list of Canada’s most wanted fugitives. Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls Donald Trump 'funny guy' in Fox News interview Ontario Premier Doug Ford called U.S. president-elect Donald Trump a 'funny guy' on Wednesday in an interview with Fox News for his comment that Canada should become the United States's 51st state. Montreal Former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre owes nearly $400K to tax agencies The Canada Revenue Agency is seeking more than $260,000 from former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre in a mortgage recovery filing. Drivers zig-zagging and posting videos in white-lining trend: Quebec prosecutors A Montreal man is facing a criminal charge of dangerous driving after he allegedly posted a video of himself zig-zagging through cars. It's a trend called 'white lining.' 3 Habs and just 1 Quebecer make 4 Nations rosters; Suzuki, Caufield snubbed Just three Montreal Canadiens players and only one Quebecer made the Canada and Finland rosters for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Northern Ontario Family reeling as victim of Sudbury stabbing left paralyzed A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Josee Rouleau, the victim of a stabbing that happened in Chelmsford in Greater Sudbury on Nov. 22. Warm, wet winter expected in much of Canada, say forecasters Federal forecasters expect a warmer-than-normal start to winter in most of Canada, with more precipitation than usual in parts of the country. Transport Minister to summon airline CEOs as Air Canada set to charge carry-on fees for some passengers Transport Minister Anita Anand says she will be calling Canadian airline CEOs to a meeting in mid-December after Air Canada says it will charge some passengers for carry-on bags in the new year. Windsor Rising profits or closing brick and mortar stores: the impact of the ongoing Canada Post strike Most local businesses have found alternative ways to ship their products to customers during the Canada Post Strike. Mourning the loss of dramatic arts program, UWindsor students turn grief into performing arts piece Following budget cuts resulting in no theatre company like the University Players to rely on anymore, dramatic arts students were devastated. 'Hollywood Holidays' celebrates Christmas flicks at the Chrysler Theatre St. Clair College student-performers are spreading Christmas cheer as they prep for opening night of their upcoming Hollywood Holidays production. London Another blast of snow is expected to roll through on Thursday Environment Canada has issued a blowing snow advisory for the London region Wednesday, which is expected to be followed with more snow in the forecast on Thursday. Pedestrian struck in northeast London London police say that one person has been transported to hospital with serious injuries as the result of a collision this afternoon. Interest rate cut fuels increase in home sales: London-St. Thomas Association of Realtors “Little bit of pent-up demand. People were waiting to see the sign that the rates were going to stay stable and probably continue to go down a little bit,” said association CEO Bill Madder. Kitchener Waterloo Regional Police recover 52 vehicles from chop shop in North Dumfries, Ont. A chop shop in North Dumfries, Ont. has been dismantled after police found 52 stolen vehicles. Rescue of three boys from Cambridge pond prompts safety plea from officials Three 13-year-old boys fell through the ice at a Cambridge pond on Tuesday. We spoke to the Lifesaving Society of Ontario about how to stay safe on and in the water this winter. Transport Minister to summon airline CEOs as Air Canada set to charge carry-on fees for some passengers Transport Minister Anita Anand says she will be calling Canadian airline CEOs to a meeting in mid-December after Air Canada says it will charge some passengers for carry-on bags in the new year. Barrie Snow squall warning issued for Simcoe County, with up to 30 cm of snow accumulation likely Snow squall warnings were issued Wednesday for Barrie and surrounding areas, with snow accumulations up to 30 centimetres likely. 17-year-olds arrested with loaded gun, drugs in Barrie, police say Police in Barrie say two teens were arrested for having a loaded gun and drugs in their possession. Winter travel advisory issued as Muskoka braces for more snow Muskoka is in for more snow after a major dumping over the weekend that caused power outages, downed trees and road closures. Winnipeg Proposed site for Winnipeg supervised consumption site in the city's core The province’s first supervised consumption site could soon be located along the Disraeli Freeway in Winnipeg. Province wants to discharge private nursing numbers The Manitoba government wants to reduce the reliance on private nurses in the public health care system. Canadian appears in U.S. court in decades-old cold case Robert Creter made his first court appearance since his extradition to the United States from Winnipeg. He's the prime suspect in the murder of 23-year-old Tami Tignor – a cold case dating back to 1997. Calgary Former Calgary police officer wanted on Canada-wide warrant Calgary police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a former officer they say used police resources to contact women he met while on duty. Alberta cattle producers express optimism in wake of Trump's tariff threat Cattle producers in Alberta don't appear to be overly concerned by the threat of tariffs by United States president-elect Donald Trump. Calgary could consider banning retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits A Calgary committee will consider asking city officials to ban all sales of dogs, cats and rabbits in retail stores. Edmonton Lucy the elephant in good health, but should remain in Edmonton: experts Lucy the elephant is in good health and able to travel – though experts recommend she stays put. Edmonton city council set to approve lower-than-expected 2025 tax increase Edmonton property taxes will be rising less than expected next year. Removal of Treaty 6 flag in Barrhead a 'step backwards' for reconciliation: Grand Chief Treaty No. 6 First Nations Grand Chief Cody Thomas says the removal of the Treaty 6 flag in municipalities is a “mistake” and a “step backwards” for reconciliation. Regina '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. Newly elected Regina city council meets for first executive committee meeting On Wednesday, council held their first executive committee meeting, which included a first look at the 2025 city budget. Sask. auditor releases findings on social services’ hotel spending An audit stemming from concerns over government practices of securing hotel rooms for those on social assistance has been released. Saskatoon 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. Saskatchewan maintains dismal status as leader in spread of HIV, with no provincial strategy in place Advocates for Saskatchewan’s HIV-positive residents are calling for a provincial strategy to support those living with the virus, and to help stop its spread. Saskatoon Food Bank demand up 25 per cent in 2024 The Christmas season is one of the busiest times of the year for the Saskatoon Food Bank, as donations pour in from the community. However, this year’s demand underscores a growing crisis. Vancouver Downtown Vancouver stabbing suspect dead after being shot by police A suspect is dead after being shot by police in a Vancouver convenience store after two people were injured in a stabbing Wednesday morning, according to authorities. 2 Canadians confirmed dead in Poland, as consular officials gather information Two Canadians have died following an incident in Poland, CTV News has learned. Vancouver chef to represent Canada in prestigious global culinary competition A Vancouver-raised chef will represent Canada in a prestigious international cooking competition that is being dubbed the Olympics of the culinary world. Vancouver Island Downtown Vancouver stabbing suspect dead after being shot by police A suspect is dead after being shot by police in a Vancouver convenience store after two people were injured in a stabbing Wednesday morning, according to authorities. Federal minister Harjit Sajjan to attend Taylor Swift concert with taxpayer-funded ticket Harjit Sajjan, the federal minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will be going to the Eras Tour on taxpayer dollars. Environment Canada warns fog causing near-zero visibility in southwest B.C. Environment Canada is warning travellers that dense fog is creating near-zero visibility in parts of southwestern British Columbia on Wednesday. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay Connected

Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Prices Offering of Series A Preferred StockUNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Rescuers contemplated the safest way Wednesday to search for a woman who apparently fell into a Pennsylvania sinkhole while looking for her lost cat, saying a crumbling old coal mine beneath the surface complicated efforts and endangered workers. Crews worked through the night in the Unity Township community of Marguerite to find Elizabeth Pollard, 64. A state police spokesperson said early Wednesday they were reassessing their tactics to avoid putting the rescuers in danger. "The integrity of that mine is starting to become compromised," Trooper Steve Limani told reporters at the scene about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk "for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Limani said. "We're probably going to have to switch gears" and do a more complicated dig, he said. On Tuesday, crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. "We cannot judge as to what's going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void," Graham said. "And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort." Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the operations officer at the scene, said they were "hoping that there's a void that she could still be in." Pollard's family called police about 1 a.m. on Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out Monday evening to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. In an interview with CBS News, Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, said he is experiencing a mix of emotions. "I'm upset that she hasn't been found yet, and I'm really just worried about whether she's still down there, where she is down there, or she went somewhere and found somewhere safer," Hayes said. "Right now, I just hope she's alive and well, that she's going to make it, that my niece still has a grandmother, that I still have a mother that I can talk to." The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they didn't notice the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. "It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it," Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl "nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Oncocyte Demonstrates Potential for Liquid Biopsy of Brain Tumors in New StudyFreight Technologies Announces Adjournment of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. On Friday: The S&P 500 rose 15.16 points, or 0.2%, to 6,090.27. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 123.19 points, or 0.3%, to 44,642.52. The Nasdaq composite rose 159.05 points, or 0.8%, to 19,859.77. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 12.83 points, or 0.5%, to 2,408.99. For the week: The S&P 500 is up 57.89 points, or 1%. The Dow is down 268.13 points, or 0.6%. The Nasdaq is up 641.61 points, or 3.3%. The Russell 2000 is down 25.73 points, or 1.1%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,320.44 points, or 27.7%. The Dow is up 6,952.98 points, or 18.4%. The Nasdaq is up 4,848.42 points, or 32.3%. The Russell 2000 is up 381.92 points, or 18.8%.The report builds on Governor Kathy Hochul's efforts to advance New York's global reputation as the place where businesses come to grow, innovate, and create the future of emerging technologies. NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (NYSE: IBM ) – The Emerging Technology Advisory Board (ETAB) today released its first report to elevate New York as an AI leader. The report provided recommendations to bolster the State's commitment to responsible development and implementation of AI. First introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul in June 2024 , the ETAB was established as an independent advisory board to chart the course for a thriving emerging technology ecosystem in New York State . The Advisory Board is co-chaired by IBM Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna and Girls Who Code Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tarika Barrett and is comprised of leaders from the private sector and nonprofit and foundation organizations. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Syrian Engineers Association in Qatar recently held a symposium on ‘Construction Culture and Reconstruction Strategy’, in which Engineer Ammar Hamouda, chairman of the association, and Engineer Khaled Nassar participated. The event was moderated by Engineer Khaled Aqil, who reviewed the association’s vision and role in the process of rebuilding Syria. The symposium was held in Hall 15 of the Public Institution for Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), amidst a large attendance of Syrian engineers. In his speech, Engineer Ammar Hamouda stressed the importance of this historical stage that the Syrian people are going through after liberation and victory. He said, “We are facing major challenges that require the combined efforts of everyone to rebuild a free and independent homeland. We will remain loyal to the message our martyrs and we will work to build a Syria worthy of their sacrifices.” Hamouda praised the pivotal role played by Syrian engineers in Qatar, as they contributed to the implementation of huge projects such as the preparations for the 2022 World Cup. He said, “The Syrian engineer have proven their high efficiency and ability to deal with the latest technologies, which contributed to the development of our collective and individual skills.” Hamouda stressed that the association is determined to transfer this acquired expertise to Syria to contribute to rebuilding the infrastructure and the engineering work system, saying: “We must work to update national specifications to keep pace with international standards, and ensure the implementation of sustainable projects that contribute to improving the quality of life and enhancing confidence in the engineering sector.” He touched on the importance of supporting innovation and young entrepreneurs by building business incubators and accelerators “These incubators will provide a fertile environment for transforming ideas into real projects that contribute to sustainable economic development,” he said. Engineer Hammouda stressed the importance of developing curricula in Syria in cooperation with Syrian competencies present in Qatar. He added, “We have a great scientific background that enables us to prepare a new generation of engineers capable of leading the reconstruction process.” Hamouda expressed the association’s gratitude to Qatar, its government and people, for the great support provided to the Syrian people, saying: “We will not forget Qatar’s humanitarian initiatives and its distinguished role in supporting the Syrian cause. We also thank Katara for hosting this symposium, which reflects its keenness to strengthen cultural and development ties.” Engineer Hammouda stressed that Syrian engineers will continue to work with all their effort and dedication to rebuild their country, stressing the importance of strengthening regional and international partnerships to achieve the desired renaissance for Syria. For his part, Engineer Khaled Nassar reviewed, through a visual presentation, the issue of rebuilding Syria and the importance of raising awareness in its various dimensions, which begins with society, the state and cities, until the goals of sustainable reconstruction and development are achieved in Syria. In his presentation, Nassar discussed the reconstruction of cities and the challenges they face, such as the enormous scale of destruction and the provision of a huge budget, stressing the importance of the role that the Syrian Engineers Association in Qatar will play in overcoming these obstacles, by transferring their distinguished and rich experiences that they acquired in Qatar and other countries and benefiting from them in the reconstruction of Syria. Copy 29/12/2024 10

Sticker Shock Ahead? New NVIDIA GPUs Could Break the Bank