A motor vehicle collision in the west end of London has led to impaired driving charges for a 59-year-old man. On Thursday at around 3:30 p.m., several people called in an unsafe driver, who hit a pedestrian in the area of Commissioners Road West and Boler Road. Police arrested the driver at the scene. The pedestrian was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 59-year-old now faces charges of impaired operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm, and impaired operation of a conveyance exceeding blood alcohol concentration. 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 Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers The Best Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands For Everyone On Your List 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 20 Of The Best Gifts Worth Splurging On In 2024 Mary Berg's Favourite Kitchen Products To Gift This Holiday Season The Best Gifts to Give Your Dad 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 London Top Stories SIU: driver that fled OPP traffic stop in Arva fatally injured Although the snow is tapering off, some roads are still closed or not cleaned yet Pedestrian struck by impaired driver in London's west end Threatening text messages seen by jury at bush bash shooting trial Snowfall cancels Argyle BIA Santa Claus parade OPP say they responded to 162 collisions in a snowy 26 hours Tow truck driver injured after helping stuck vehicle Police seek help identifying suspects in break-and-enter and shooting investigation CTVNews.ca Top Stories A police photographer recounts the harrowing day of the Polytechnique massacre Montreal crime scene photographer Harold Rosenberg witnessed a lot of horror over his thirty years on the job, though nothing of the magnitude of what he captured with his lens at the Polytechnique on December 6, 1989. He described the day of the Montreal massacre to CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin. NDP's Singh forces debate on $250 cheques for more Canadians; Conservatives cut it short With the fate of the federal government's promised $250 cheques for 18.7 million workers hanging in the balance, the NDP forced a debate Friday on a motion pushing for the prime minister to expand eligibility. The conversation was cut short, though, by Conservative MPs' interventions. DEVELOPING | Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike. Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Sask. father who kept daughter from mom to prevent COVID-19 vaccine free from additional prison time Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan father who withheld his then seven-year-old daughter from her mom for nearly 100 days to prevent the girl from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was handed a 12-month prison sentence and 200 days probation on Friday, but credited with time served. Health Canada says daily cannabis use hasn't changed much since legalization Health Canada says daily cannabis use has remained stable since it was legalized in 2018. Quebec premier wants to ban praying in public Premier François Legault took advantage of the last day of the parliamentary session on Friday to announce to 'Islamists' that he will 'fight' for Quebec values and possibly use the notwithstanding clause to ban prayer in public places such as parks. Ticketmaster hidden fees settlement credits expected in 2025 following class-action lawsuit by Regina lawyer A longstanding lawsuit against Ticketmaster is nearing its end, with a judge expected to approve the more than $6 million dollar settlement before the end of the year. Kitchener Threat that caused school lockdowns in Guelph came from the United States Guelph Police Service is releasing more information about a call that caused two schools to go into lockdown and a third to implement hold-and-secure measures earlier this week. University of Waterloo harnessing the power of alpaca poop The University of Waterloo is trying to create an unusual type of compost. Home extensively damaged, school evacuated, after Kitchener fire No injuries have been reported after a fire in Kitchener Friday morning. Barrie Driver charged after passing snow plow in front of oncoming OPP vehicle A driver was pulled over and charged after passing a snow plow in front of an oncoming OPP vehicle. Multi-vehicle crash on Highway 400 snarled traffic A three-vehicle crash on Highway 400 snarled Friday afternoon traffic. Messy road conditions result in several collisions Emergency crews were kept busy in the early morning hours on Friday as the wintry weather created slippery conditions on the roads, and according to weather experts, we’re not in the clear just yet. Windsor Suspects sought after two hardware store break-ins Essex County OPP are investigating two overnight break-ins at hardware stores. Homeless encampment returns to the chagrin of residents Ashley Harrington's problem was solved for a short time, but then a homeless encampment returned behind her property. Annual Holiday Toy and Collectors show raising funds for Adopt-A-Vet: 'We've got to give back' The holiday season is a time for joy, but for many Canadian veterans who are alone, it can be increasingly sad. Northern Ontario Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike. Four transport truck drivers charged in northern Ont. collisions on Hwy. 11 Bad weather and bad driving contributed to multiple collisions on Highway 11 on Wednesday, leading to charges for several commercial motor vehicle drivers. Sault Ste. Marie Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Sault College health students showcase their work Sault College students from three different health-care programs had the opportunity to present their work to local industry leaders at the institute’s second Health Care Research Showcase. Northern Ont. police catch liquor store thief, getaway driver Two people from southern Ontario have been charged in connection with a liquor store robbery Wednesday in the Town of Thessalon. The suspects were caught after trying to flee on Highway 17 and hiding the booze in a snowbank. Ottawa OC Transpo to open Trillium Line in three stages starting Jan. 6 OC Transpo general manager Renee Amilcar announced the Lines 2 and 4 will open in three phases, starting with five-day service Monday to Friday beginning Jan. 6. Another blast of snow coming to Ottawa this weekend It’s cold this Friday in Ottawa, as it feels like minus 17 in the morning and minus 10 in the afternoon with windchill. Vigils held in eastern Ontario to mark 35 years since Montreal massacre Friday marks 35 years since the Montreal massacre, where 14 women were shot and killed at École Polytechnique. Toronto Woman facing 96 animal welfare charges in connection with unlicensed kennel in Hamilton A woman is facing 96 animal welfare charges in connection with an unlicensed kennel in Hamilton, where two pet owners claimed their dogs died while in her care. Hamilton police shut down ‘open air drug market’ they say was 'run like a business' Hamilton Police say that they have shut down an "open air drug market" in the vicinity of a downtown laneway that appeared to be "run like a business." 1 dead, 2 in hospital after collision in Etobicoke A 51-year-old man is dead after a two-vehicle collision in Etobicoke Friday morning. Montreal 'Duty to learn': Vigils mark 35th anniversary of Polytechnique anti-feminist killings Braving a biting winter wind, dignitaries gathered in front of Polytechnique Montréal's main campus on Friday to pay tribute to the 14 women killed at the Montreal institution in an anti-feminist attack 35 years ago. Quebec premier wants to ban praying in public Premier François Legault took advantage of the last day of the parliamentary session on Friday to announce to 'Islamists' that he will 'fight' for Quebec values and possibly use the notwithstanding clause to ban prayer in public places such as parks. Third public art theft in a month: Westmount bronze statue stolen A bronze statue was recently stolen from Prince Albert Square in Westmount, marking the third public art piece to go missing in just over a month. Atlantic Maritime weekend weather: Cold start and snowy finish Colder temperatures lie ahead for the weekend in the Maritimes with another swipe of snow and rain expected Sunday. N.S. RCMP search for Prospect Bay man wanted on provincewide warrant The RCMP is searching for a Nova Scotia man wanted on a provincewide warrant. Sister of man found dead in Kentville, N.S., speaks out The sister of a 52-year-old man found dead in a tent in Kentville, N.S., on Wednesday is speaking out on her loss. Winnipeg Manitoba premier hints at change of location for supervised drug consumption site The Manitoba government signalled Friday it is open to changing the location of a proposed supervised drug consumption site that had been revealed two days earlier and met with criticism. 'A well-loved piece': Historic carousel display from Hudson’s Bay Company store lands at Winnipeg shop When a carousel setup from the Hudson’s Bay Company became available during an auction, a Winnipeg business owner had to have it. Manitoba RCMP looking to identify vehicle possibly connected to double homicide The Manitoba RCMP is looking for help to identify a vehicle potentially connected to a double homicide in Portage la Prairie on Sunday. Calgary Calgary's Fueling Brains Academy targeted by 'possible data breach' Calgary police say a strange email addressed to parents of students at Fueling Brains Academy did not come from the business. Unemployment in Alberta remains steady, population growth continues to drive up Calgary’s unemployment New data shows Calgary’s unemployment rate ranks amongst the highest in the country as its growth in population continues to outpace the availability of job opportunities. Alberta releases new rules and no-go zones on wind and solar projects The Alberta government has released new wind and solar development rules it says are needed to protect the environment, food security and the province's scenery. Edmonton Security guard killed at Edmonton apartment building Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a security guard in central Edmonton on Friday morning. Alberta working to get money's worth on Turkish medication deal after 2 years Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the government is working to get taxpayer value for the money it paid for medication that has yet to be approved and delivered. Jasper hockey goalie pays tribute to fire-ravaged town Among the things Jasper resident Reid Jackson lost when his family's home was destroyed by the summer fire was his hockey goalie equipment. Regina Bernadette McIntyre named Saskatchewan's 24th Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan’s 24th Lieutenant Governor will be Bernadette McIntyre after being appointed to the position by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. Roses handed out in commemoration of polytechnic massacre Members of the YWCA handed out roses at the University of Regina to bring awareness to violence against women. Sask. father who kept daughter from mom to prevent COVID-19 vaccine free from additional prison time Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan father who withheld his then seven-year-old daughter from her mom for nearly 100 days to prevent the girl from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was handed a 12-month prison sentence and 200 days probation on Friday, but credited with time served. Saskatoon Bernadette McIntyre named Saskatchewan's 24th Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan’s 24th Lieutenant Governor will be Bernadette McIntyre after being appointed to the position by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. Saskatoon-based dog rescue operator ordered to pay $27K for defamatory Facebook posts A Saskatoon-based dog rescue operator has been ordered to pay over $27,000 in damages to five women after a judge ruled she defamed them in several Facebook posts. Are other cities better at clearing snow than Saskatoon? One of the noticeable changes during Saskatoon’s 2025 budget deliberations at city hall this past week was an increase to the snow and ice budget. Vancouver Soggy night for Swifties? Umbrellas not allowed at Taylor Swift concert venue in Vancouver There's heavy rain in the forecast for the first night of Taylor Swift's sold-out Eras Tour in downtown Vancouver – and umbrellas are prohibited at the concert venue. B.C. minister wants new safety plan for Victoria schools, threatens board removal British Columbia Education Minister Lisa Beare has appointed a special adviser to help the Victoria school board "revise and improve" its safety plan after it barred police from schools except in emergencies. B.C. ombudsman to investigate delay in sending social assistance cheques amid post strike Thousands of social assistance cheques have not been distributed in British Columbia because of the Canada Post strike, prompting an investigation by provincial ombudsperson Jay Chalke. Vancouver Island B.C. minister wants new safety plan for Victoria schools, threatens board removal British Columbia Education Minister Lisa Beare has appointed a special adviser to help the Victoria school board "revise and improve" its safety plan after it barred police from schools except in emergencies. Victoria man sentenced for sexually assaulting teen after supplying her drugs A Victoria man has been sentenced to five years in prison for twice sexually assaulting a teenage girl – one of four minors he was convicted of targeting over an eight-month period in 2018. Mounties say stolen Dodge pickups recovered near Victoria Mounties on Vancouver Island say two Dodge pickup trucks that were reported stolen last month have been recovered. Stay ConnectedBest Home Warranties Reviews Reveal Top-Ranked Providers for 2025Tensions ran high within the Pattali Makkal Katchi as a leadership disagreement unfolded at the party's special council meeting. Party president Anbumani openly opposed the decision made by party founder S Ramadoss to appoint his grandson, P Mukunthan, as the head of the state youth wing. The unexpected conflict arose when Anbumani, expressing dissatisfaction with Mukunthan's appointment due to his lack of experience, clashed with Ramadoss. The patriarch was adamant, dictating compliance with his decisions as essential for remaining in the party. Anbumani's dissatisfaction was palpable as he laid down the microphone during the altercation. Despite the heated exchange, the conflict was downplayed by party insiders, labeling it a minor familial disagreement within the 'Pattali family.' This development comes after previous instances of differing views on political alliances, notably during the recent 2024 Lok Sabha polls. (With inputs from agencies.)

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While not in immediate danger, a transport service’s passengers still require assistance from people who have both the training and equipment to provide their care. It’s an essential aspect of emergency medical services (EMS). Bradford Area Transport Services (BATS) has been one area organization working to meet the region’s demand for these resources since 2009. BATS handles about 700 calls per year and recently ceased its operations. Owner Sally Scrivo intends to retire and has commenced the steps necessary to fully close the business by March. “We are actually in the process of closing down and we have stopped our transports,” Scrivo said. “It’ll be months in the process of actually closing the business itself.” BATS will sell its resources, which include three fully stocked ambulances “ready to go,” Scrivo said, and two wheelchair vans. She added, “Only some part-time (employees) were impacted and they have full-time jobs. Our full-time workers have found new jobs.” BATS would mark 16 years of business in January. Scrivo recalled always having liked the EMS field and once she identified the need, decided to start the business she co-owns with her son, Michael Scrivo, and her daughter, Heidi Scrivo. She had been an emergency medical technician (EMT) and was working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Bradford Manor when she left to launch BATS. “Bill McCormick had a transport ambulance service,” Scrivo explained. “When he sold out and retired there seemed to be a need for more transport service.” Scrivo said BATS used to average more than 1,200 calls per year but continued operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “I believe that other area ambulance services will pick up and help with the transports.” For her part, Scrivo figures she will “probably find a new career, because I like to work. “I’ve belonged to the Derrick City Fire Department since the ’80s, so I’ll have a little more time to devote there. I do a lot of volunteer work so I’m sure I’ll put in my time with volunteer stuff.” Bradford City Fire Department Chief Brett Butler said, “The Bradford City Fire Department and B.A.T.S. have always had a great working relationship. “We could rely on them if we did happen to need a hand. Sally and her people have always been there to help in any way they can beyond handling transports.” He added the last 3 to 4 years have been the busiest for the city’s ambulance in department history. BCFD would not have the manpower to add non-emergency transports on top of emergency calls, Butler said. Bradford Regional Medical Center officials stated in an email Friday afternoon that B.A.T.S. has been “a valued partner” in providing medical transportation services. “Over the years, they have played an essential role in ensuring timely transportation for our patients who require a higher level of care. We remain committed to maintaining seamless services and uninterrupted care for those in need,” the statement read. “We will continue to work with other emergency medical services as well as diligently find alternative solutions to ensure continued access to emergency medical transport.” Scrivo agreed. “The staff at BRMC has been wonderful to work with, and our patients truly have made the last 16 years a worthwhile endeavor,” she said. “We want to thank the community for all the support they’ve given us.”

The Lawrence Energy Center in Kansas burns coal for electric power. A federal lawsuit filed by 11 Republican attorneys general claims institutional investors BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street committed antitrust violations to lower supply and increase the cost of coal. (Jill Hummels/Kansas Reflector) Major institutional investors have artificially lowered coal production and raised energy costs for consumers in an effort to lower global carbon emissions, a federal lawsuit claims. Republican attorneys general in 11 states, including Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, filed a joint lawsuit last month against BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street, claiming the organizations’ efforts to pressure coal companies to lower carbon emissions and respond to climate change amount to anti-competitive business practices. All three companies, the lawsuit says, have acquired significant shares in the largest publicly-traded coal companies to coerce their management. “For the past four years, America’s coal producers have been responding not to the price signals of the free market, but to the commands of Larry Fink, BlackRock’s chairman and CEO, and his fellow asset managers,” the lawsuit says. BlackRock is the world’s largest financial asset manager. The case was in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on behalf of the states of Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia and Wyoming. The case asks the court to find that the companies have violated federal antitrust laws and prohibit them from using their stock holdings in coal companies to limit output. In a statement, State Street called the lawsuit “baseless.” “State Street acts in the long-term financial interests of investors with a focus on enhancing shareholder value,” the company said. “As long-term capital providers, we have a mutual interest in the long-term success of our portfolio companies.” In 2020, Fink wrote in a letter to CEOs that “climate risk is investment risk” and announced efforts to “place sustainability at the center of our investment approach.” He said companies and investors had a meaningful role to play in the transition from fossil fuels and coal to clean energy. The following year, BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard joined the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, acknowledging an “urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions” and committing to work to reduce carbon emissions. Black Rock and State Street also signed onto Climate Action 100+, a similar initiative where investors work with companies “on improving climate change governance, cutting emissions and strengthening climate-related financial disclosures. Burning coal produces carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas and a significant drive of climate change, scientists say. It also produces sulfur dioxide, particulates and other emissions that can be harmful to human health. Coal made up 19% of energy-related carbon emissions in 2022 and more than half of emissions from electric power companies, according to the Energy Information Administration . In a press release, Hilgers’ office accused the three companies of weaponizing their shares of the coal market. “Whether it comes from state or federal governments or the private sector,” Hilgers said, “the radical climate agenda harms Nebraskans.” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey vowed to “not stand idly by while these companies hamper energy production and raise prices for Missouri consumers.” Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office said in a press release that he was “taking further action to stop work corporatists and their left-leaning allies in government from driving up energy costs for hardworking Hoosiers.” “Coal has been the backbone of Indiana’s economic success for decades,” Rokita said. “The demand for electricity has gone up and these (environmental, social and governance) titans are reaping the benefits of these skyrocketed prices by keeping their thumb on production.” And Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said she would keep “fighting until we take down every cog of the woke machine and protect hardworking families and farmers.” “While Woke Wall Street lines its own pockets,” Bird said, “families and farmers are forced to pay the price.” This article first appeared in the Kansas Reflector , a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network. Originally published on nebraskaexaminer.com , part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange . Get local news delivered to your inbox!

'We're not afraid of anyone,' says Idah as Celtic gear up for golden opportunity in Champions LeagueThe champions crashed to a fifth straight defeat in all competitions – something not experienced by the club in more than 18 years – as they were thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The loss, which was also a third in succession in the Premier League and shattered a 52-game unbeaten home run, damaged the club’s hopes of winning an unprecedented fifth title in a row. It is the worst run of Guardiola’s glittering managerial career and the City boss, who extended his contract until 2027 last week, is determined to turn the situation around. The Catalan said: “When we start to lose I say to the people I have to find a way, I have to. It’s my duty, my responsibility, to find a way to be more consistent, that our game will be better and win games. “This is what we have to do.” City have been hampered by injuries to key players in recent weeks, particularly by the absence of Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. Problems have emerged at both ends of the field with a lack of clean sheets – just five in 19 outings this term – and a shortage of goals being scored on occasions, like Saturday, when the prolific Erling Haaland has an off-day. Guardiola said: “We don’t expect to lose important players but it’s happened and you have to find a way. We have to find other abilities. “I don’t think we didn’t create enough chances. We created a lot of chances, clear ones at 0-0, 0-1, 0-2. “Of course we want a lot of players to score but it’s happened now. “I know at the Etihad when we are there and we score goals our momentum is there, but now we are not solid enough. That is the truth. “In both sides normally we are solid but we concede the goals. Now in both sides we are not good enough. “In these situations, what do you have do to? Keep going my friends, keep going. “We have done it in the past – not in terms of results being as bad as now – but we have done it and we face the situation and move forward.”

Remember Y2K? It was 1999 and many were sure civilization was about to end

Manipur: Joint forces launch search in Imphal east following shootingsJudge signals that contempt hearing for Rudy Giuliani over his assets might not go well for himSince the first days of humanity's venture into the skies, aircraft designers have tried numerous designs and features. The history of air travel is filled with all manner of unusual aircraft, from Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose to Alexander Lippisch's Aerodyne; there are plenty of strange aircraft designs that took to the skies . Typically, a new design element is created to fill a niche, or something is modified in an attempt to make it more efficient, which doesn't always work. If you look at an aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon that's been around for 45+ years, you'll see numerous variants and design tweaks. That's common with military as well as civilian aircraft, and one of the strangest designs that made it to production is the Edgley Optica. The Edgley EA-7 Optica is a British aircraft designed specifically for low-speed observation. Essentially, the purpose of the Edgley Optica was to create a low-cost alternative to helicopters, and it has a distinctive shape. The aircraft's unusual configuration is what makes it so fascinating because planes just don't look like the Edgley Optica. Of course, that's the point — the idea wasn't to make a new fixed-wing aircraft; it was to produce an alternative to a helicopter, which is a complex and expensive vehicle to operate. Ideally, the Edgley Optica could remain in an area for extended periods for observation missions, and to that end, it's been successful, though only 22 were ever produced, with one remaining unfinished. [Featured image by Anthony Noble via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | GFDL 1.2 ] The most notable thing about the Edgley Optica is its unusual configuration that makes it look like several aircraft were welded together to create something new. The fully forward cabin allows for 270-degree panoramic vision, with a near vertical downward visibility. The cabin can accommodate a single pilot and two passengers. Moving on from the cabin, the Edgley Optica features two booms with twin rudders. There's also a large pitch ducted fan just behind the cabin, making the Edgley Optica unusually quiet. The aircraft's wheels are in a fixed tricycle position, and the whole thing is built from metal with an aluminum skin. For power, the Edgley Optica features a single Textron Lycoming IO-540-V4A5D air-cooled engine. This enables the aircraft to fly at a maximum speed of 132 mph, though its cruising speed is only 108 mph. The Edgley Optica doesn't need to fly through the air quickly — its designed purpose is to linger in an area, so it has more than enough energy to make that happen. The Edgley Optica's service ceiling is a little over 14,000 feet, and its range is around 650 miles, with an endurance of eight hours. It certainly works for its designed purpose and was priced to sell at $65,000 in 1983 ($206K in 2024). Edgley initially planned to build 200 of its EA-7s, but the funding ran dry, so the 23rd aircraft was never completed. Despite this, the 22 that were built remain airworthy, and they serve the same functional use as helicopters for about one-third the cost. [Featured image by TSRL via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 3.0 ]

On Nov. 21, shares of CRISPR Therapeutics ( CRSP 3.44% ) were down 47% from a peak they reached in March. This might be a little surprising to folks who have been following this developer of gene therapies. After all, it's been less than a year since regulators in the U.S. and E.U. approved its first therapy, Casgevy, to treat two blood-based disorders. Casgevy's initial launch hasn't been as exciting as investors and its partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX 0.13% ) , had hoped. Less than a year into the launch, though, it's still too early to turn our backs on this innovative drugmaker. After all, in addition to Casgevy, it has five other therapy candidates in clinical-stage testing. To see if adding some shares to your portfolio now makes sense, let's look at why the stock's been beaten down, and what could lift it back up. Why CRISPR Therapeutics stock is down The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Casgevy for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) last December. In January the agency followed up with approval to treat transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT). Across the Atlantic, European regulators approved Casgevy to treat both SCD and TDT in February. Despite regulatory approvals, the launch is progressing more slowly than investors had expected. CRISPR Therapeutics wisely partnered with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to develop and market Casgevy, but Vertex is having a hard time getting it off the ground. Despite earning approval in late 2023, Vertex didn't record its first sale of Casgevy until the third quarter. Sales have been slow because it's a complicated therapy made in single batches from a patient's stem cells. Once reinfused, the CRISPR-altered stem cells should produce functioning hemoglobin, so SCD and TDT patients no longer need regular blood transfusions. Unfortunately, reinfused Casgevy cells can't gain a foothold unless patients first deplete their immune systems with a dangerous conditioning regimen. Recently, a patient with SCD died during a gene-therapy trial run by Beam Therapeutics . Physicians running the study didn't fault Beam's candidate for the volunteer's death; they blamed a conditioning regimen containing busulfan. Busulfan is also used to condition patients for Casgevy. Reasons to buy CRISPR Therapeutics stock right now A lack of treatment options could work in Casgevy's favor. Last year, the European Medicines Agency revoked conditional approval for an SCD drug from Novartis called Adakveo, after it failed to outperform a placebo in a confirmatory trial. And in September, Pfizer pulled Oxbryta, a daily tablet approved to treat SCD patients, from the market after it failed a postmarketing study. At the end of September, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics had infused just one patient with Casgevy, but more are on the way. As of mid-October, authorized treatment centers had already collected stem cells from 40 patients. With a list price of $2.2 million, reaching tiny slivers of the SCD and TDT populations could drive annual sales above $1 billion. Five candidates in clinical-stage testing mean Casgevy probably won't be the last FDA-approved therapy to emerge from CRISPR Therapeutics' pipeline. At the upcoming American Society of Hematology meeting in December, the company will present phase 1 trial results for CTX112, an experimental blood-cancer treatment that could be next to reach the commercial stage. We already know CTX112 shrank tumors for six out of nine advanced-stage lymphoma patients. Four of them achieved complete remission. These results would be impressive for a population of relatively healthy patients who just received their first cancer diagnosis, but this group was heavily pretreated. A buy now? With a lack of Casgevy revenue to date, CRISPR Therapeutics is still losing money. Thanks to its partnership with Vertex, though, the losses are manageable. It came up short by just $85.9 million during the third quarter. The company finished September with $1.9 billion in cash. A big cash pile gives CRISPR Therapeutics a long runway to ramp up sales of Casgevy. It also gives CTX112 and the rest of the pipeline time to shine before the company needs to raise capital with a dilutive secondary offering. CRISPR Therapeutics has a $3.9 billion market cap at recent prices, but the stock is less expensive than it looks on the surface. With a big cash cushion and a lack of debt, its enterprise value is just $2.1 billion at recent prices. That's not an unreasonable price to pay for a commercial-stage drugmaker with a handful of new candidates in clinical trials. The stock valuation isn't entirely unreasonable, but it's still high enough to make it a very risky investment. If Casgevy sales don't ramp up soon, or the clinical-stage pipeline falters, investors who buy at recent prices could suffer heavy losses. Unless you have a very high risk tolerance, it's best to keep your distance from CRISPR Therapeutics stock.US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many peopleSportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78

Newsom heads to border to counter TrumpFormer KPCC president and ex-minister V M Sudheeran extended birthday wishes to A K Antony, reflecting on the individual, politician and administrator he has become at 84. In a conversation with correspondent M K Suresh, Sudheeran shared his thoughts. Regardless of the position held, A K Antony firmly believed no office should be used for personal gain. This principle defined Antony's political philosophy, which often saw him relinquishing or declining positions without hesitation. Antony’s organisational style emphasised expressing disagreements within party forums, ensuring his actions never brought harm or crisis to the party. Throughout his political journey, Antony maintained his simplicity and commitment to ideals, earning him the reputation of being a symbol of modesty and principle. On Saturday, as Antony turned 84, Sudheeran evaluated his contributions and wished him well, recounting his memories and experiences with the veteran leader. Antony has always been known for his simplicity, non-partisan approach and staunch commitment to secularism. He upheld the secular and economic policies inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru. From his youth, Antony displayed an openness to speak out against any decisions he opposed, but always did so within party platforms. One striking example of Antony's courage was during the Guwahati AICC session when he voiced his concerns over the misuse of power during the Emergency. Despite the authoritarian environment of the time, his boldness even prompted Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to reconsider certain actions. Antony’s criticisms never strained his personal relationships, regardless of whether the disagreements were with party colleagues or political opponents. When veteran leader K Karunakaran left the Congress to form the Democratic Indira Congress (DIC), Antony played a crucial role in urging him to return. Antony once remarked to Karunakaran’s son K Muraleedharan at an event in Kayamkulam, “Please convey to your father my request not to leave the Congress or form a new party.” Antony later worked diligently to facilitate Karunakaran’s return, and his support was instrumental in Muraleedharan securing a Lok Sabha seat. In May 1964, a Kerala Students Union (KSU) state camp was held in Aluva, where Vayalar Ravi was the president, and Antony served as the treasurer. The camp laid the foundation for Antony’s leadership in KSU, which he later revitalised by reorganising university unions and championing issues like fee standardisation. Antony also became the Youth Congress State President and led numerous initiatives, including a historic march from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram against the policies of the EMS Government. In 1969, following the split in the Congress party, a new KPCC committee was formed with advocate K K Viswanathan as convener. Vacancies in the KPCC were filled by appointing young leaders, including myself, as members. In the subsequent elections, K K Viswanathan became president, and A K Antony was made general secretary. The other general secretaries were Meleth Narayanan Nambiar and A Mohammed Koya, also known as Appakoya. During this period, the government led by EMS was replaced by an alternative government under the leadership of Achutha Menon. K Karunakaran, the parliamentary party leader, along with other MLAs who supported Indira Gandhi, backed the Achutha Menon government. A liaison committee was formed for policy formulation, with M N Govindan Nair and A K Antony as conveners. M N, a magnanimous leader, entrusted Antony with most of the responsibilities, a testament to Antony's loyalty and reliability. Antony played a crucial role in the government. When the opposition planned a no-confidence motion against the government, Achutha Menon pre-emptively dissolved the assembly and called for fresh elections after passing a confidence motion in the House. Antony, Oommen Chandy, A C Shanmukhadas, N Ramakrishnan, Kottara Gopalakrishnan, K Raghavan Master and M V Rajan Master were among the young leaders who emerged victorious. At the time, the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Youth Congress formed the backbone of the Congress party. The Youth Congress’s stance against joining the Cabinet was accepted by the party. However, after the 1971 elections, Indira Gandhi endorsed the idea of participating in governance, leading to K Karunakaran being appointed as Home Minister. Although Karunakaran proposed making Antony a minister, Antony voluntarily stepped aside. Under leaders like Vayalar Ravi, Antony and Oommen Chandy, the study camps organised by the Youth Congress and KSU provided ideological clarity and nurtured a cadre deeply committed to the organisation. These camps fostered close bonds between leaders and workers, strengthening the party’s unity and resolve. Antony played a key role in managing internal party crises, including addressing demands for ministerial changes during the Emergency and handling sensitive issues within the KPCC. He maintained a principled stand against the misuse of power and prioritised party unity. Antony’s public life was marked by his unwavering adherence to moral values. As Defence Minister in the UPA government, he ensured transparency and ordered CBI investigations into allegations, earning widespread respect. His tenure as Kerala Chief Minister saw him implementing significant decisions like toddy ban, despite political risks. Antony’s traits of honesty, organisational commitment, and an anti-corruption stance are qualities future generations must emulate. Leaders like Vayalar Ravi, Antony and Oommen Chandy have been Sudheeran’s mentors, and their ability to accept open criticism without letting it strain relationships has been remarkable. Antony’s personal humility and his refusal to seek positions of power are noteworthy. While it may be coincidental that Antony and the Congress Party share the same birth date, the emotional bond between the two is undeniable.

US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people Federal officials say the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said that federally required tallies taken across the country in January found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Israeli troops burn northern Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli troops have stormed one of the last hospitals operating in the territory's north on Friday and forced many of the staff and patients outside. Then they had to remove their clothes in winter weather. It was the latest assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Parts of it were set on fire. Staff say it has been hit multiple times in the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. Israel's military says Hamas uses the hospital as a base. It did not provide evidence, and hospital officials have denied it. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have said weapons fire may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed on Wednesday, killing 38 people. The statements from Rashad Nabiyev and White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Friday raised pressure on Russia. Officials in Moscow have said a drone attack was underway in the region that the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was destined for but have not addressed statements from aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defenses responding to a Ukrainian attack. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to Chechnya on Wednesday when it crashed, killing 38 people and leaving all 29 survivors injured. New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns New laws taking effect with the new year will affect Hollywood actors, social media stars and chatty motorists. In many states, minimum wage workers will see a pay raise in January. New laws in California will provide protections to actors against unauthorized use of artificial intelligence and require parents to set aside social media earnings generated by children. In Florida and Tennessee, new laws restricting social media use by minors face legal challenges. In Missouri, drivers holding their cellphones could face new fines. Other new laws will restrict certain guns in Minnesota, allow medical marijuana in Kentucky and outlaw drug use on public transit in Oregon. In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has a nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children. GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 argue that they are bolstering services for families. Recent research and an analysis by The Associated Press has found that from the time a Tennessee woman gets pregnant, she faces greater obstacles to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child and a financially stable family life than the average American mom. Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train has been indicted on state charges. A prosecutor announced Sebastian Zapeta’s indictment at a court hearing Friday. The development comes days after Zapeta’s arrest and subsequent police questioning in which they say he identified himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit. The indictment will be under seal until Jan. 7. He remains jailed. Federal immigration officials say the 33-year-old Zapeta is from Guatemala and entered the U.S. illegally. Authorities are continuing to work to identify the victim. Father of Raiders star Malcolm Koonce has 1983 conviction tossed after DA says it was tainted NEW YORK (AP) — Years before Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce was born, his father spent time in prison for an armed robbery conviction that prosecutors now say was tainted by a detective’s lies and “highly suggestive” photo identification techniques. Jeffrey Koonce, now 67, had his conviction vacated and his indictment dismissed by New York judge Friday. Koonce spent nearly eight years in prison for a 1981 robbery at Vernon Stars Rod and Gun Club in Mount Vernon, where three people were struck by shotgun pellets as patrons were looted of cash and jewelry. He has always maintained his innocence. 'We fall and we rise': Some amputees in Sierra Leone turn to farming to combat discrimination FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — Sierra Leone's brutal civil war from 1991-2002 created about 28,000 amputees. Now many live on the streets and beg, facing discrimination. They are often regarded as a shameful reminder of the war. One initiative is tackling this by training amputees to farm and strengthen their independence. Despite its success with 100 trainees so far, the project remains a rare example. The country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission says there is currently no specific support for amputees from the government. Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is chasing the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin entered the season 42 goals short of breaking a record that long seemed unapproachable. He is set to play again Saturday at the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing more than a month with a broken left fibula. Ovechkin was on pace to get to 895 sometime in February before getting injured. At 868, he his 27 goals away from passing Gretzky.U.S. President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a "political resolution" to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by January 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case," said Trump's amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for January 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute, leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and "seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office."

AP Business SummaryBrief at 12:10 p.m. ESTThings fall apart, and for UTM Party, the center seems to be losing its grip. One of the party’s co-founders, Patricia Kaliati, has made a shocking declaration – she will not campaign for the party in next year’s polls. Kaliati, the former UTM Secretary-General, made the remarks in a leaked audio clip circulating on social media. The audio reveals Kaliati’s apparent plans to dump the party after her humiliating defeat in the party’s presidential elections, where she garnered a mere 20 votes against her opponent’s 600. In the same audio, Kaliati also blamed the late Saulos Chilima for her loss in the UTM party presidential elections. “How could Saulos allow me to lose the elections?” she lamented. Kaliati’s outburst has sparked controversy, with many expressing surprise at her decision to blame the deceased Chilima for her defeat. Kaliati’s comments have raised eyebrows, especially considering her previous stance as UTM Party Secretary General. In the past, she has spoken optimistically about the party’s prospects, even predicting that UTM would rake in more votes during the 2025 elections. In the same audio, Kaliati also hinted at dumping the UTM party, expressing her bitterness over the outcome of the party’s convention She is heard exploring alternative options, including joining other parties like MCP or DPP. This development comes barely weeks after Kaliati and other presidential aspirants signed agreements to support the party despite the outcome of the elections. The sudden U-turn has raised questions about Kaliati’s commitment to the party and its values.