LAHORE - Defending championsPakistan Wapda and Pakistan Army advanced to the semifinals of the National Women’s Basketball Championship here at the Wapda Sports Complex. Wapda, wearing white shirts, remained unbeaten in the championship, continuing their streak of consecutive victories in the pool round by defeating Faisalabad 50-13. This win secured their spot in the semifinals.In this match, Faisalabad struggled against the defending champions. Wapda led by 19 points at halftime, which increased to a 40-point advantage by the end of the game. Hijab Fatim was the standout player for Wapda, scoring 22 points, while Sidra Hakeem added 12 points. For Faisalabad, Feroza Aslam scored 9 points. In the second match, Pakistan Army defeated Islamabad by 53-21. Aisha Dilshad and Amna Mohsin were the top scorers for Pakistan Army, with 25 and 10 points, respectively. The top eight teams participating in the five-day championship including Wapda, Karachi, Bahawalpur, Islamabad, Pakistan Army, Lahore, Hazara, and Faisalabad. Death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto observed Tags: army wapda national womenLONDON (AP) — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men found him liable for assault after deliberating about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the “modest award.” Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. “She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” she said. “I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. “He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. “A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is.” Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him “no” as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, “now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times,” referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Story continues below video Eventually, he let go of her. “I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman’s complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said “she never said ‘no’ or stopped” and testified that everything she said was a lie. “It is a full blown lie among many lies,” he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. “How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings.” McGregor’s lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise,” attorney Remy Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.” The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor’s arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked “happy, happy, happy.” McGregor said he was “beyond petrified” when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor’s friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.
Testifying in his own defence, Carlos Guerra Guerra said he showed up to the bush party for young people in a field off of Pack Road in southwest London in July of 2021 after his friend Emily Altmann called him for help. "She (Altmann) had an urgent tone to her voice, frantic...she asked me to please come," said Guerra Guerra. The court has heard that there had been a dispute over a spilled or thrown drink at the bash. He said, "I just wanted to make sure she was okay - to get her out of whatever predicament. I thought I might get into a fist fight situation." The accused told the jury that he is an aspiring hip hop or rap artist and that he had a real handgun in his side bag that night because he had intended to shoot a music promotion with the firearm using it as a prop, but that all changed after the Altmann call. Guerra Guerra said when he arrived at the scene, Altmann was out on the roadway but that she wanted to go back into the field. “There was a reason she wanted to go back, at the end of the day I still don’t remember why,” he said. While accompanying her, he said, "I saw a person, I engaged in an argument back and forth. It was escalating. It all happened so fast." The 23 year old said, "They tackled me to the ground, I knew I was in a bad predicament at that point." He said when he walked in, he never saw anyone else with weapons until one appeared during the fight, "He was right above me...standing over me with a machete in his hand." He added, "I was terrified. It's a fear you can't really describe." He went on to say, "I remember grabbing the gun and pointing it upwards and I looked away and I closed my eyes and when I pulled the trigger and the gun fired that's when I looked back." “I kind of see him stagger back and fold over,” he recalled. The victim in this case, 18-year-old Josue Silva, would end up dying from a gunshot wound to the stomach. London police would eventually arrest and charge Guerra Guerra with second-degree murder and assault with a weapon. He has pleaded not guilty. The court has heard that Altmann and her defence team were excused from the case and the judge told the jury not to speculate as to the reason why. While on the stand testifying, Guerra Guerra appeared calm as he recalled his involvement on the night of the shooting. Later in the day when questioned about the threatening tone of text messages he sent his friends following the shooting, Guerra Guerra said, "I wanted to scare people out of talking to police. I didn't want to get into trouble for this." When asked by his lawyer Ricardo Golec about how he feels now about the whole incident, he replied that it should have never happened, "I'm disgusted by my actions, I'm ashamed, if I could take it all back I really would, everything.” Guerra Guerra resumes with his testimony on Thursday. 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. 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These LEGO Kits Are On Sale And Ready To Gift 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 London Top Stories Blizzard, snow squall warnings in effect, as much as 80cm possible in some areas Accused in bush bash shooting testifies claiming he feared for his life Man assaults and disarms police in Hyde Park bank: London police Proposal for nurse practitioners at long term care homes welcome news at Ailsa Craig groundbreaking Experts react to Bank of Canada interest rate cut Middlesex resident loses $45,000 in crypto-currency scam: OPP London police say pedestrian threw coffee at driver, threatened them with knife, and fled on city bus 'I'd prefer to put security over commerce': Sarnia mayor reacts to potential border spending CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.' Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton. Banks lower prime rates following Bank of Canada move Canadian financial institutions are lowering their prime lending rates to match the decrease announced by the Bank of Canada. Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC Two luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with luring, drugging and violently raping dozens of women over more than a decade. Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study. What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected The Onion's rejected purchase of Infowars in an auction bid supported by families of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting dealt them a new setback Wednesday and clouded the future of Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform, which is now poised to remain in his control for at least the near future. Canada Post strike: Talks deadlocked as sides clash on wages Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues. Kitchener Another blast of winter weather coming our way After a few days of warmer weather, winter is making its return. 140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning. BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Barrie Blizzard and snow squall warnings issued with hazardous travel expected Prepare for some wicked weather expected to hit the region on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall up to 80 centimetres possible and gusty winds creating dicey travel conditions. Driver speeding 155km/h in posted 80 zone in dense fog charged: OPP A motorist accused of speeding 75 kilometres per hour over the posted limit in the Town of Mono through dense fog will have to explain their actions in court. Canadian Forces Snowbirds set to soar over Barrie: Here's when The Canadian Forces Snowbirds aviation demonstration team will take to the Barrie skies, once again. Windsor Kingsville man dies after crash on Manning Road Essex County OPP say Manning Road is closed after a crash involving a dump truck. Ont. woman whose father died in impaired driving collision warns others not to make same mistake An Ontario woman whose father died in an impaired driving collision when she was a baby is urging people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired, saying the decision can affect multiple generations. BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Northern Ontario Sudbury police make big drug bust at apartment connected to assault suspect As Sudbury police continue to investigate Tuesday's assault on Elm Street, a search of the apartment where some of the suspects were found uncovered $135,000 in drugs. 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SPONSORED | Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough? When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage? Ottawa Council approves 3.9% tax hike in 2025 City of Ottawa budget, hikes senior monthly fares $9 City council has voted to approve the 2025 City of Ottawa budget that will include scaled back fares hikes for seniors and retain youth discount passes while raising taxes across the board for most homeowners. Driver receives $10K in fines for speeding 134 km/h over speed limit on Highway 174 in Ottawa, police say An Ottawa driver faces $10,000 in fines and is banned from driving for two years after being observed going 134 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 174. Canada Post workers rally at headquarters as strike enters fourth week Canada Post workers are continuing their fight for a deal as their strike stretches into its fourth week. Toronto Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week. BREAKING | Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports. Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river. Montreal Montreal billionaire Robert Miller facing new sex charges Montreal billionaire Robert Miller is facing new criminal charges as he waits to go on trial on several sex offences. Quebec hockey referees speak out about being subjected to violence on the ice Hockey can be a violent sport but it’s not only the players receiving the blows. In a three-part report, Noovo Info uncovered stories of referees who have been badly injured on the ice, with some suffering scarring, head trauma and PTSD. Montreal plans to turn Molson Brewery site into residential neighbourhood The old industrial Molson Brewery site downtown Montreal will be transformed into a residential neighbourhood with a public park and some 5,000 housing units. Atlantic Officer receives suspension after two Mi'kmaq elver fishers left without boots A federal fisheries officer has been suspended for 10 days without pay for his role in arresting two Mi'kmaq elver fishers late at night and releasing them in only their socked feet. Truro man wanted on provincewide warrant: N.S. RCMP The RCMP is searching for a man from Truro, N.S., who is wanted on a provincewide warrant. Maritime weather: Rainy, windy weather moves through region More rain and wind are ahead for the Maritimes Wednesday through Thursday, with weather warnings in effect for parts of the region. Winnipeg Winnipeggers face 5.95 per cent property tax increase in budget Winnipeggers will be paying more property taxes than expected next year. 'We're not used to it this year': Extreme cold impacting Winnipeggers The extreme cold has settled over much of Manitoba and the bone chilling temperatures are impacting people across the province, including in Winnipeg. Woman, 72, dies following crash on Highway 41: RCMP A 72-year-old woman is dead following a crash on an icy Manitoba highway Tuesday morning. Calgary 'Scared and confused': 9-year-old Calgary girl recalls terrifying experience being stuck in stolen vehicle A Calgary girl who was sitting in her dad's vehicle when it was stolen on Monday night is speaking out about the horrifying experience, along with her father. Woman found badly injured along Nose Creek Pathway dies in hospital A woman who was on life support after she was found badly injured in Calgary's northeast has died. Lethbridge post-secondary schools trying to help students manage exam stress Southern Alberta students are busy cramming for the final stretch of the exam season --and with all that extra work comes stress. Edmonton Accused in killing of apartment security guard have extensive criminal histories A man and a woman charged in the killing of a security guard in Edmonton will spend Christmas and New Year's behind bars. Struggling in your search for a sandbox in Edmonton? You're not alone Some Edmontonians are finding the recent weather difficult to navigate without the help of city-supplied traction materials. Alberta UCP backbenchers support loosening ethics rules Alberta's Opposition NDP says the province would become the most corrupt and secretive government in Canada if potential ethics rule changes become law. Regina 'A reasonable compromise': Council forgives Riders of over $1 million in unpaid rent Regina City Council forgave the Saskatchewan Roughriders of more than $1 million in unpaid rent payments at their meeting Wednesday. Extreme cold warnings issued for Regina, Saskatoon and much of eastern Sask. Extreme cold warnings are now in effect as Saskatchewan enters a cold snap, which is expected to last until the end of the week. Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns' A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole. Saskatoon Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies. 'Whatever anybody can donate': Sask. man uses school bus to help people stay warm A Saskatchewan man who turned a school bus into a warmup shelter says his nonprofit desperately needs donations. University of Saskatchewan's historic building slated for demolition There is a building on the University of Saskatchewan campus that has been an eyesore for a few years, and now the historic building is slated for demolition. However, historians want campus officials to rethink the plan to get rid of it. Vancouver Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. B.C. hunter used vehicle's headlights to shoot moose at night, conservation officers say A man from northern B.C. has been given a $3,000 penalty after he was caught hunting moose at night. Charges laid in New Westminster triple-stabbing Police in New Westminster say a 30-year-old suspect has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault in connection to a stabbing that occurred back in October. Vancouver Island Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device. No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert. Commercial truck driver fired, facing charges after parked cars struck in Metro Vancouver A commercial truck driver has been fired and is facing potential impaired driving charges after police say his tractor-trailer collided with four parked cars in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Stay ConnectedKendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”
From PSX highs to debt traps: Pakistan's economic reality in 2024Kash Patel, Pete Hegseth continue meetings with lawmakers ahead of confirmation hearings
EDMONTON - Alberta's Opposition NDP says the province would become the most corrupt and secretive government in Canada if potential ethics rule changes become law. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * EDMONTON - Alberta's Opposition NDP says the province would become the most corrupt and secretive government in Canada if potential ethics rule changes become law. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? EDMONTON – Alberta’s Opposition NDP says the province would become the most corrupt and secretive government in Canada if potential ethics rule changes become law. United Conservative Party legislature committee members are urging the government to exempt most political staffers from being bound by conflict of interest rules. Those rules currently limit how much staffers can accept in the form of gifts and spell out if they need to be reported. NDP justice critic Irfan Sabir says if adopted, the proposals would mean no one would know who might be buying the government. He says loosened restrictions made last year already shield the government from being transparent and it would be worse if the new rules went ahead. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The push comes after multiple ministers said they accepted hockey playoff tickets from a medical supplier involved in a $70-million deal to purchase medication from Turkey that has yet to be delivered. UCP backbencher Grant Hunter says Alberta is an outlier among the provinces in including senior public servants under ethics rules. Advertisement
Lamar Jackson's MVP bid shouldn't distract Baltimore Ravens from what really matters | Sporting NewsDiscovering new games can be exciting, but this often means you have to sift through low-quality shovelware – games that are plagued by reused assets, repetitive gameplay, and endless ads. Game stores are overflowing with these cash grabs, but you don’t have to fall for them. This post will tell you everything to detect and avoid shovelware games. The term shovelware originated in the early 1990s, referring to CD-ROMs stuffed with low-quality, outdated games or software emphasizing quantity over quality. The concept is similar to shoveling dirt – bundling mediocre products to increase perceived value. Today, it describes games made solely for profit, with little concern for quality, player retention, or long-term success. These games often use low-quality, recycled assets and mimic whatever gameplay is currently trending. For example, after the success of Flappy Bird, countless clones flooded the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Most of these clones were shovelware created to cash in on the original game’s popularity. Many developers produce cheap, low-quality games that can still turn a profit, even with minimal engagement. You’ll find such games on platforms with lenient publishing policies, like Google Play, the Apple App Store, Steam, and Nintendo eShop. While not all shovelware is inherently bad or a scam, its main focus is to monetize even brief player interaction. To avoid wasting time and money on these games, let’s learn how to detect shovelware games: On most online game stores, you can check the developer’s history showing all their other games, which can give clues about whether they focus on quantity or quality. Below are some things you need to look out for: A high game store rating doesn’t always mean a game is good. Developers can buy fake reviews and ratings to make their games look good. For shovelware, you need to look at reviews and find clues that are common in shovelware games. Be cautious of 5-star reviews as they could be fake. The most insightful reviews are the ones with 2, 3, or 4-star ratings. Below are some signs you need to look for: Depending on the game store, you can also filter reviews for enhanced information. For example, on Steam, you can check the play time of the user to see how long they played the game. If too many reviews have low play time, it could mean the game is low-quality and isn’t worth buying. Since churning out lots of games is a priority, many shovelware game developers often don’t provide in-depth details about the game. Their descriptions mainly focus on making the game look cool so that users can download it to find out. The description could be vague and only use words that make it sound fun like “addictive gameplay”, “master all tactics”, or “easy to learn”. They don’t tell you what the game offers and what you need to do in it which makes it fun. Furthermore, some really low-effort ones may even be written in broken English/grammar or feel like it was translated. A good game description usually talks about the game’s story, gameplay details, and the list of features. Make sure the description tells you exactly what you can expect from the game without needing to download it. All popular games like Clash of Clans, Flappy Bird, Candy Crush, or Counter-Strike have clones or similar-looking games trying to capitalize on their popularity. They even use matching titles to confuse players or make them curious to try. Since they are created to capitalize on another game’s popularity, they usually lack the quality of the original. The developers just quickly create a game with similar gameplay and try to monetize aggressively. For example, “Counter Strike CS: Gun Games” has a similar name to the popular FPS game “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” but it’s a completely different game with description and reviews suggesting it’s a low-effort game. Of course, not all games with matching titles are bad. For instance, Clash of Lords comes from a reputable developer, but the name is similar to Clash of Clans. However, it’s a good metric to detect shovelware when other signs are also present. Many shovelware games aren’t updated often as their core gameplay is already limited with no intention of expanding upon it. The developer either won’t update them often or fake updates them with vague changes that don’t tell what exactly was updated. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to track update history as not all online game stores provide detailed update history. On the Apple App Store, you can see the last 25 updates, which is usually more than enough. For most others, you’ll have to depend on third-party websites or the game’s official website. You can use the App Brain website to view the change log of most games on the Google Play Store. For Steam games, SteamDB offers a complete update history along with patch notes information. Depending on the game genre, it should be updated every 3-6 months. The changes should also be big enough to impact gameplay, not just some bug fixes that people can’t track. The updates should include gameplay balance changes, new levels/characters, new maps, etc. Any game worth its salt will have at least some discussions around it online. It doesn’t have to be official news or some special patch notes. Even lesser-known games have people talking about it on forums or creators making videos about it. Shovelware games usually don’t have any dedicated fan base talking about it online or creating guides. Usually, searching for their name online will only show their official listings on the online game stores and maybe a commissioned video on YouTube. If it has no online presence, it’s probably because it’s not worth people’s time. Shovelware games aren’t always bad, some may offer brief addictive gameplay loops. However, they are usually copies of the same popular ideas for which much better original games are already available. If you’re looking for quality experiences, check out the best Steam Games you can enjoy with friends . Image credit: Pexels . All screenshots by Karrar Haider. Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Karrar is drenched in technology and always fiddles with new tech opportunities. He has a bad habit of calling technology “Killer”, and doesn't feel bad about spending too much time in front of the PC. If he is not writing about technology, you will find him spending quality time with his little family.Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and Los Angeles Angels agree to a $63 million, 3-year contract, AP source says A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a $63 million, three-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. An All-Star with Seattle in 2021, Kikuchi was 9-10 with a 4.05 ERA this year for Toronto and Houston, which acquired him on July 30. Kikuchi was 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts with the Astros. He is 41-47 with a 4.57 ERA in six seasons. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender A judge has rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she’s transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship in Las Vegas this week. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players who are suing the Mountain West Conference challenging the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. Conference title games a chance at a banner, bragging rights and, for some, a season-wrecking loss Indiana should be able to breathe easy. The Hoosiers have very little chance of making it to the Big Ten championship game. In the Southeastern Conference, Georgia has a spot in the league title game but with that comes a lot of worry. Conference title games give teams a chance to hang a banner, but for national title contenders it is an additional chance for a season-wrecking loss — even with an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field. UCLA moves up to No. 1 in AP Top 25 women's basketball poll for first time in history UCLA has earned the school's first No. 1 ranking in in The Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll. The Bruins knocked off the previous top team, South Carolina, which had held the No. 1 spot for the previous 23 polls. UCLA moved up four spots. UConn remained No. 2. Notre Dame pulled off its own upset, beating then-No. 3 USC and moving up to third. South Carolina dropped to fourth, Texas is fifth and USC fell to sixth. Iowa is in the poll for the first time in the post-Caitlin Clark era, coming in at No. 22. Kansas stays at No. 1 ahead of showdown vs. No. 11 Duke; Ole Miss, Mississippi St back in AP Top 25 Kansas remained solidly entrenched at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll ahead of its showdown with Duke in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks received 51 of 62 first-place votes from the national panel of media, putting them well ahead of two-time reigning national champion UConn, which was second with six first-place votes. Gonzaga was third with two first-place votes, Auburn was next with three, and Iowa State rounded out a top five that was unchanged from the previous week. Xavier, Ole Miss and Mississippi State entered the poll at the expense of Illinois, St. John's and Rutgers. Week 12 was filled with sloppy play, especially on special teams: Analysis Week 12 was filled with sloppy play around the NFL, leading to some upsets and surprising outcomes. Jayden Daniels nearly led Washington to an improbable comeback down 10 in the final two minutes against Dallas only to fall short because Austin Seibert’s extra point sailed wide left. After a field goal and successful onside kick, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard catch-and-run touchdown to bring the Commanders within one point with 21 seconds remaining. But Seibert’s point-after attempt failed and the Cowboys returned the ensuing onside kick for a touchdown to seal a 34-26 victory. Cavaliers' unexpected 17-1 start to season also produces unexpected star: reserve guard Ty Jerome CLEVELAND (AP) — The M-V-P chants weren't only directed at Cleveland All-Star Donvan Mitchell on Sunday night. As the Cavaliers were improving to 17-1 overall and 10-0 at home, reserve guard Ty Jerome heard them while shooting a free throw. The Cavs' unexpected start has produced an unexpected rising star in Jerome, who played in just two games last season because of a severe ankle injury. Jerome has scored 29 and 26 points, respectively, in his last two games. But he's been a marvel since the season began for first-year coach Kenny Atkinson, who is finding it hard to take him off the floor. Most drivers not named Joey Logano eager for some changes to NASCAR's current playoff format CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — It seems everyone outside of Joey Logano is eager to see to a change to the NASCAR playoff format. How to fix it remains up for debate. Logano won his third Cup Series championship earlier this month, igniting a new conversation on whether the current playoff format is the best way to determine a worthy champion. Logano wound up winning four races this season, but only had 13 top 10 finishes in 37 races and clearly didn’t have one of the best racecars this season. Some drivers like Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney feel that more emphasis should be placed on regular season success, ensuring that the top drivers are racing for a championship.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden kicked off his final holiday season at the White House on Monday by issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in southern Minnesota. Biden welcomed 2,500 guests to the South Lawn under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom” and sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency after a half-century in Washington power circles. “It’s been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful,” Biden said, taking note of his impending departure on Jan. 20, 2025. That's when power will transfer to Republican President-elect Donald Trump, the man Biden defeated four years ago and was battling again until he was pressured to bow out of the race amid concerns about his age and viability. Biden is 82. Until Inauguration Day, the president and first lady Jill Biden will continue a busy run of festivities that will double as their long goodbye. The White House schedule in December is replete with holiday parties for various constituencies, from West Wing staff to members of Congress and the White House press corps. Biden relished the brief ceremony with the pardoned turkeys, named for the official flower of the president's home state of Delaware. “The peach pie in my state is one of my favorites,” he said during remarks that were occasionally interrupted by Peach gobbling atop the table to Biden's right. “Peach is making a last-minute plea,” Biden said at one point, drawing laughter from an overflow crowd that included Cabinet members, White House staff and their families, and students from 4H programs and Future Farmers of America chapters. Biden introduced Peach as a bird who “lives by the motto, ‘Keep calm and gobble on.’” Blossom, the president said, has a different motto: “No fowl play. Just Minnesota nice.” Peach and Blossom came from the farm of John Zimmerman, near the southern Minnesota city of Northfield. Zimmerman, who has raised about 4 million turkeys, is president of the National Turkey Federation, the group that has gifted U.S. presidents Thanksgiving turkeys since the Truman administration after World War II. President Harry Truman, however, preferred to eat the birds. Official pardon ceremonies did not become an annual White House tradition until the administration of President George H.W. Bush in 1989. With their presidential reprieve, Peach and Blossom will live out their days at Farmamerica, an agriculture interpretative center near Waseca in southern Minnesota. The center's aim is to promote agriculture and educate future farmers and others about agriculture in America. Separately Monday, first lady Jill Biden received the official White House Christmas tree that will be decorated and put on display in the Blue Room. The 18.5 foot (5.64 meters) Fraser fir came from a farm in an area of western North Carolina that recently was devastated by Hurricane Helene . Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm lost thousands of trees in the storm “but this one remained standing and they named it ‘Tremendous’ for the extraordinary hope that it represents,” Jill Biden said at the event. The Bidens were also traveling to New York City on Monday for an evening “Friendsgiving” event at a Coast Guard station on Staten Island. Biden began his valedictory calendar Friday night with a gala for hundreds of his friends, supporters and staff members who gathered in a pavilion erected on the South Lawn, with a view out to the Lincoln Memorial. Cabinet secretaries, Democratic donors and his longest-serving staff members came together to hear from the president and pay tribute, with no evidence that Biden was effectively forced from the Democratic ticket this summer and watched Vice President Kamala Harris suffer defeat on Nov. 5. “I’m so proud that we’ve done all of this with a deep belief in the core values of America,” said Biden, sporting a tuxedo for the black-tie event. Setting aside his criticisms of Trump as a fundamental threat to democracy, Biden added his characteristic national cheerleading: “I fully believe that America is better positioned to lead the world today than at any point in my 50 years of public service.” The first lady toasted her husband with a nod to his 2020 campaign promise to “restore the soul of the nation,” in Trump’s aftermath. With the results on Election Day, however, Biden’s four years now become sandwiched in the middle of an era dominated by Trump's presence on the national stage and in the White House. Even as the first couple avoided the context surrounding the president's coming exit, those political realities were nonetheless apparent, as younger Democrats like Maryland Gov. Wes Moore , Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Biden's Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg not only raised their glasses to the president but held forth with many attendees who could remain in the party's power circles in the 2028 election cycle and beyond. ___ Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
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HOUSTON -- A federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Alex Jones' Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet, criticizing the bidding for the conspiracy theory platform as flawed as well as how much money families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting stood to receive. The decision late Tuesday night is a victory for Jones, whose Infowars site was put up for sale as part of his bankruptcy case in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered him to pay over falsely calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax. Families of the Sandy Hook victims had backed The Onion's bid. Following a two-day hearing in Houston, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez said he would not approve the sale, while citing concerns about transparency in the auction. That clears the way for Jones to keep - at least for now - Infowars, which is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The Onion had planned to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody. "We are deeply disappointed in today's decision, but The Onion will continue to seek a resolution that helps the Sandy Hook families receive a positive outcome for the horror they endured," Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron, posted on social media late Tuesday. Lopez cited problems - but no wrongdoing - with the auction process. He said he said he did not think that those involved in the auction acted in bad faith and that everyone "put their best foot forward and tried to play within the rules." Still, Lopez said he said he did not want another auction and left it up to the trustee who oversaw the auction to determine the next steps. The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash and other incentives for Infowars' assets in the auction. First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones' name that sells nutritional supplements, bid $3.5 million. The bids were a fraction of the money that Jones has been ordered to pay in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Lopez said the auction outcome "left a lot of money on the table" for families. "You got to scratch and claw and get everything you can for them," Lopez said. Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families who sued Jones in Connecticut, said they were disappointed in the judge's ruling. "These families, who have already persevered through countless delays and roadblocks, remain resilient and determined as ever to hold Alex Jones and his corrupt businesses accountable for the harm he has caused," Mattei said in a statement. "This decision doesn't change the fact that, soon, Alex Jones will begin to pay his debt to these families and he will continue doing so for as long as it takes." Jones, who did not attend the proceedings, went back on his program late Tuesday to celebrate the judge's ruling, calling the auction "ridiculous" and "fraudulent." Although The Onion's cash offer was lower than that of First United American, it also included a pledge by many of the Sandy Hook families to forgo $750,000 of the auction proceeds due to them and give it to other creditors, providing the other creditors more money than they would receive under First United American's bid. The sale of Infowars is part of Jones' personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Jones repeatedly called the shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control. Parents and children of many of the victims testified in court that they were traumatized by Jones' conspiracies and threats from his followers. Jones has since acknowledged that the Connecticut school shooting happened. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones' personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families. Some proceeds will go to Jones' other creditors. Trustee Christopher Murray had defended The Onion's bid in court this week, testifying that he did not favor either bidder over the other and was not biased. He also revealed that First United American submitted a revised bid in recent days, but he said he could not accept it because the Sandy Hook families in the Connecticut lawsuit objected. The Onion valued its bid, with the Sandy Hook families' offer, at $7 million because that amount was equal to a purchase price that would provide the same amount of money to the other creditors. In a court filing last month, Murray's lawyers called First United American's request to disqualify The Onion's bid a "disappointed bidder's improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open election process." Jones' attorney, Ben Broocks, noted that the Sandy Hook lawsuit judgments could be overturned in pending appeals and got Murray to acknowledge that the Sandy Hook families' offer in The Onion bid could fall apart if that happens. That's because the percentage of the auction proceeds they would be entitled to could drop sharply and they wouldn't get the $750,000 from the sale to give to other creditors. Up for sale were all the equipment and other assets in the Infowars studio in Austin, as well as the rights to its social media accounts, websites, video archive and product trademarks. Jones uses the studio to broadcast his far-right, conspiracy theory-filled shows on the Infowars website, his account on the social platform X and radio stations. Many of Jones' personal assets also are being sold. Jones has set up another studio, websites and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. Jones has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him. Jones is appealing the money has been ordered to pay in judgments citing free speech rights.18 Near-Murder Victims Who Were Dangerously Close To Getting Killed
S&P/TSX composite, U.S. markets trade lower Friday morning after holiday break
NEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Change your relationship with money Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. Know your “why” When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. Budget, budget, budget “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. Pay down outstanding debt “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. Take control of your credit card interest rate “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. Set realistic, practical goals When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. Don't bury your head in the sand “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automate savings, where possible Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Slow down Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Focus on financial wellness Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.NBA's Christmas Day ratings skyrocket, even going up against NFL games
